To Lin Boqu¹

(May 31, 1944)

(1) In order to respect the opinions of Zhang and Wang, to facilitate negotiations, and to demonstrate our side’s sincerity in wishing to resolve the problems, we have specially revised the wording and phrases of the document. Please submit it again to Zhang and Wang. (2) Please declare to Zhang and Wang that supporting Chiang and implementing the Four Pledges, etc., have been repeatedly stated, and therefore were not reiterated in the last document. In order to respect their opinions, they have been added to this document. Furthermore, the twenty articles all pertain to facts, and it is extremely necessary to request the government to resolve them. In order to respect their opinions, they have been revised to twelve articles; the remaining eight articles shall serve as oral requests, still asking the government to consider and resolve them. (3) If the other side still refuses to accept and resolve them, then the fault lies with the other side, and our side’s sincerity in making concessions to achieve the greater good can be made manifest to all under Heaven.

¹ This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram to Lin Boqu concerning the revision of the 20 articles on resolving certain pressing problems proposed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.