Conversation with Xu Fanting[1]

(April 30, 1944)

Before Han Xin ascended the altar to receive his appointment as general, he had also served as "Minister of Grain" in Hanzhong. Commander-in-Chief Zhu has recounted that when he first became an officer, he served as a quartermaster. In the old days, the quartermaster was precisely responsible for managing company life and bore the duties of training and combat. Now our senior generals all study the question of grain, and all commanders and fighters personally set to work, establishing large and small household enterprises in every unit. The chiefs and cadres of every department not only are all able to manage army life, but also can all directly participate in production. This is a miracle unparalleled among the armies of the whole world, and at the same time a great reform in the Chinese army. This is a matter of great significance to the revolution.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong's conversation with Xu Fanting on the importance of grain to warfare. Xu Fanting was then serving as Deputy Commander of the Jin-Sui Military Region of the Eighth Route Army and was recuperating in Yan'an.