Reply to Li Yu and Others[1]

(March 5, 1944)

In view of the lingering impact, both inside and outside the Party, of past mistakes in eliminating traitors in Huxi, the Shandong Sub-bureau must exercise the utmost care in its work of examining cadres and combating espionage. It must correctly adhere to the nine guidelines set by the Central Committee for examining cadres, uphold the principle of not executing a single person and not arresting the majority, and resolutely oppose the line of coercion, confessions, and credulity. This work must be carried out prudently, with adequate preparation and step by step, and should not be conducted on a widespread scale this year. Furthermore, both of you must personally participate in the examination of cadres and the anti-espionage efforts in order to gain experience.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram jointly drafted by Mao Zedong, Kang Sheng, and Peng Zhen in reply to Li Yu and Xiao Hua, with a copy sent to the Northern Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.