Directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Treatment of Democratic Personages[1]

(January 22, 1949)

To the Northeast Bureau and for notification to all localities:

Your telegram of the zi yuan date is noted. We agree to your arrangements for receiving and welcoming democratic personages. When these arrangements are made public, the locations for welcoming them may not be announced. In addition, please pay attention to the following:

A. Our Party’s guiding principle in treating democratic personages should be to explain to them all questions concerning politics and relevant Party policies with an attitude of complete frankness and sincerity, actively educating them and winning them over. On policy questions, give them straightforward answers without evasion. Except for Party secrets and certain specific tactics, anything that can be discussed openly may be discussed. The implementation of policies should also be reported to them truthfully; while giving emphasis to major achievements, we should also point out difficulties and shortcomings, as well as the methods by which we rely on the strength of the masses, learn modestly, and so forth, to overcome difficulties and shortcomings. At the same time, invite them to speak fully and offer their criticisms and opinions, so as to strengthen the spirit of working together.

B. Here, in accordance with the above guiding principle and attitude, the following work has been carried out with democratic personages: (1) At their suggestion, responsible comrades from various departments of our Party have given reports (reports have already been given on the war, military policy, political power, land reform, foreign affairs, the economy, culture and education, the women’s movement, etc.). (2) Forums have been held; in addition to discussing the above-mentioned reports, discussions have also covered our Party’s New Year message, the Chairman’s eight-article proclamation (the two telegrams they sent to democratic personages in the Northeast came about as a result of this), and questions concerning the new Political Consultative Conference. Our responsible comrades took part. (3) They may hold conversations and exchange views with any of our responsible comrades.

(4) Some comrades have been organized to carry out daily contacts and talks. (5) Visits and inspection tours have been organized. (6) They have been provided with Marxist-Leninist works, Selected Works of Mao Zedong (one volume given to each person), the Party’s public documents and materials, materials on construction in the Liberated Areas, newspapers, and Reference News (without inner-Party news). (7) They are free to have contact and conversations with ordinary people. (8) Among the democratic personages, responsible persons have been chosen, and group studies have been organized. Many activities have been carried out after consultation between their responsible persons and our responsible comrades. Since the above items of work were undertaken, the democratic personages have all felt that they have gained a great deal. (9) We show concern for their daily lives and illnesses. These experiences are offered for your reference, and you may apply them in light of your specific circumstances.

C. The above guiding principle should be clearly conveyed and discussed at cadres’ meetings, so that everyone can grasp its spirit, take the initiative in conducting education and propaganda among democratic personages, and at the same time listen patiently to their opinions. While maintaining initiative and a positive approach on the one hand, we must oppose any lack of discipline or lack of organization among ourselves on the other.

The Central Committee

zi yang date

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