Seize the Ceasefire Period to Step Up War Preparations[1]

(June 30, 1946)

Northeast Bureau:

(1) Under pressure from all sides, Chiang Kai-shek will continue the ceasefire starting tomorrow.[2] (2) It is hoped that this period will be used to step up preparations in all aspects of military, political, and mass work. (3) If the enemy does not attack us, we shall not attack the enemy either; maintain calm. (4) Overcome the fear mentality among some comrades within the Party and prepare for a protracted war. (5) Advocate self-reliance and do not rely on foreign aid.

Central Committee

June 30

--- Notes

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to the Northeast Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.


[2] Based on a proposal by U.S. President’s special envoy Marshall, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, after consultations, each issued a statement on June 6, 1946, declaring a 15-day truce in the Northeast starting from 12:00 on June 7 for negotiations. On June 21, Chiang Kai-shek announced the extension of the Northeast truce to June 30. This refers to the fact that, under resolute struggle from all sides, after the ceasefire period expired again on June 30, Chiang Kai-shek further announced an indefinite ceasefire in the Northeast.