Instruction Concerning the Work in Shandong[1]

(December 25, 1944)

Luo and Li:

(1) The reply regarding the ten questions was received long ago, and its content is very good. Your line is correct.

(2) In every area, from the beginning of rent reduction to the complete and thorough fulfillment of the rent reduction task, it generally takes about three years, and it must be grasped very firmly; if relaxed even slightly, it will be difficult to accomplish. The same generally applies to production work, militia work, relations between officers and men, relations between the army and the people, and cultural and educational work. Only with this amount of time can all cadres learn and all the masses be mobilized. You already have rich experience, and it is estimated that in 1945, the work of the entire Party in Shandong will make tremendous progress.

(3) It is hoped that greater attention will be given to the people’s production work.

(4) It is hoped that urban work will achieve widespread development within one year.

(5) After rent reduction, the grain tax burden on poor and middle peasants must be increased, while the burden on landlords and rich peasants must be appropriately reduced, so as to achieve fairness and sustain military expenditures; however, the destitute must be exempted from taxation.

(6) After rent reduction, land repossession by landlords must be restrained. Those who reclaim land to cultivate it themselves may be permitted, but the interests of the peasants must still be taken into account at the same time, and it must be guaranteed that the peasants have land to cultivate.

Mao Zedong

Haiyou

[1] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong to Luo Ronghuan and Li Yu.