Central Committee Directive on Countermeasures to Chiang Kai-shek’s Policy of Fighting While Negotiating[1]

(July 2, 1946)

To all Bureaus:

(1) According to a telegram from Enlai dated June 30: Chiang Kai-shek’s policy, as pointed out by the Central Committee, is to fight while negotiating. In the Northeast, due to insufficient troop strength, no major moves are expected for the time being; inside the Pass, under the cover of slogans such as self-defense, restoring communications, and returning refugees to their homes, he will inevitably launch attacks on our Central Plains, Northern Jiangsu, Shandong, Rehe, and other areas, while simultaneously maintaining negotiations. This serves, on the one hand, to facilitate U.S. military aid, and on the other, to avoid overly provoking the masses.

(2) It is hoped that all localities, in accordance with the original plan, will step up preparations to smash the Kuomintang offensive; at the same time, adopt a positive attitude toward the work of the Executive Headquarters and its sub-groups, so as to adapt to the situation of fighting while negotiating.

Central Committee

Wu Dong [July 2]

[1] This telegram was drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and sent to all Bureaus.