Letter to Xu Fanting[1]

(October 18, 1945)

Brother Fanting:

Your letter received and noted. Compelled by the general situation, the authorities had no choice but to sign the October 10th Agreement, yet its implementation remains a major problem. Shackled by selfish interests, they are still unwilling to recognize the Liberated Areas and are now advancing troops into the Liberated Areas. The resolution of this issue still entails considerable trouble. Seeing your calligraphy, your spirits appear quite good. I still hope you will look into methods of rest and recuperation, live many more years, and witness the realization of democratic politics in China. With respectful wishes for your health!

Mao Zedong

October 18

The lily fruit respectfully received, with utmost thanks!

Jiang Qing sends regards to Hou.

[1] Xu Fanting (1893–1947), native of Xishe Village, Guo County (now Yuanping City), Shanxi Province, famous patriotic general. In his early years, he joined the Tongmenghui led by Sun Yat-sen. Later held posts in the Kuomintang, once went into seclusion for a period, and subsequently collaborated with Communists to establish the Shanxi New Army. After his death from illness in 1947, he was posthumously recognized as a full member of the Communist Party of China.