Response to the Telegram from the
Democratic Parties and Democratic
Personages
(August 1, 1948)
To Messrs. Li Jishen, He Xiangning, Shen Junru, Zhang Bojun, Ma Xulun, Wang
Shaoao, Chen Qiyou, Peng Zemin, Li Zhangda, Cai Tingkai, Tan Pingshan, and
Guo Moruo;1 and to forward to all democratic parties, people’s organizations, and
non-Party democratic personages in Hong Kong for their information:
Due to communications difficulties, your May 5 telegram2 was received
only today. I greatly appreciate your endorsement and enthusiastic push for
Our source for this telegram is Mao Zedong wenji, Vol. 5, pp. 114–15, where it is reproduced from an August 6, 1948, Renmin ribao article.
1.  Li Jishen was chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Guomindang
Revolutionary Committee. He Xiangning (1878–1972, born in Nanhai, Guangdong) was
a member of the Standing Committee of the Central Executive Committee of the Guomindang Revolutionary Committee. Shen Junru was a member of the Standing Committee
of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League and director of the league’s
affairs in Hong Kong. Zhang Bojun was chairman of the Central Executive Committee
of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party and a member of the Standing
Committee of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League. Ma Xulun was a
member of the Central Council of the China Association for Promoting Democracy. Wang
Shaoao (1888–1970, born in Wujiang, Jiangsu) was a member of the Central Council of the
China Association for Promoting Democracy. Chen Qiyou (1892–1970, born in Haifeng,
Guangdong) was vice-president of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong (Public
Interest) Party. Peng Zemin (1877–1956, born in Sihui, Guangdong) was chairman of the
Central Supervision Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party.
Li Zhangda (1890–1953, born in Dongguan, Guangdong) was a member of the Central
Executive Committee of the Guomindang Revolutionary Committee and an executive
member of the Central Committee of the Chinese People’s Salvation Council. Cai Tingkai
(1892–1968, born in Luoding, Guangdong) was a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Guomindang Revolutionary Committee and acting chairman of the Guomindang Democratic Promotion Society. Tan Pingshan was a member of the Central Executive
Committee of the Guomindang Revolutionary Committee and a member of the Association
of Comrades of the Three People’s Principles. Guo Moruo (1892–1978, born in Leshan,
Sichuan) was a prominent and politically independent historian, writer, and social activist.
2.  The telegram from the democratic parties and democrats in Hong Kong to Mao
Zedong and all people in the Liberated Areas accused the Nationalist government of “stealing power and betraying the country on an unprecedented scale” and supported the Chinese
DOI:  10.4324/9781315719436-137

implementing our Party’s May 1 proposal of holding a new Political Consultative
Conference to discuss and bring about the convocation of a people’s congress
to establish a democratic coalition government. At present, with the revolutionary situation developing day by day, it is of utmost importance for the democratic forces to strengthen their unity and fight jointly in hopes of destroying the
reactionary forces in China, curbing the encroachment by American imperialism, and establishing an independent, free, wealthy, strong, and unified People’s
Democratic Republic of China. For this purpose, it is truly necessary to bring
together representatives of all democratic parties, people’s organizations, and
unaffiliated democratic personages for joint consultation. Regarding this meeting’s timing, location, organizers, scope of participants, and issues to be discussed, I hope that you gentlemen and democratic personages from various circles
across the country can collectively investigate and discuss these matters, and then
inform me of your excellent opinions. I will be truly grateful for this. In response
to your telegram and with appreciation for your understanding.
Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party
Mao Zedong
Communist Party’s  May 1 Labor Day proposal to hold a Political Consultative Conference
as soon as possible.