Reply to Lin Boqu, Dong Biwu, and Wang Ruofei[1]

(September 15, 1944)

(1) Regarding the distribution of American supplies, regardless of what the actual outcome may be in the future, we should in principle advocate that it be based on the achievements in the War of Resistance (our army has struck five-sixths of the enemy and puppet forces) as the standard, and not on the existing numerical strength of the two parties’ armies. Therefore, we should advocate at least an equal division of aid supplies between the two parties. The previous telegram’s mention of at least one-third is inappropriate; please correct it. (2) Since the minor parties do not approve of our party unilaterally proposing the reorganization of the government to the Political Consultative Council, let the matter be dropped. As to whether Lin should incidentally mention this point when reporting on the course of the negotiations, please decide as you see fit. However, in the letter replying again to Zhang Zhizhong and Wang Shijie, this point must be raised directly and explicitly.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s reply telegram to Lin Boqu, Dong Biwu, and Wang Ruofei.