Comrades of the People’s Liberation Army on the Fujian Front:

Starting today, shelling of Kinmen will be suspended for another two weeks. This is to observe the enemy’s movements and to allow the military and civilian compatriots on Kinmen to receive adequate supplies—food as well as military equipment—in order to strengthen their defenses. “An army thrives on deception”; this is precisely such a stratagem, devised to counter the Americans. It serves the greater national interest. We must draw a clear line between China and the United States. From a strategic standpoint, what we are doing harms no one and benefits all. Whom does it benefit? The ten million Chinese on Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu; the entire nation of 650 million; and ultimately, those who stand to gain from an end to U.S. interference. Naturally, it does not benefit the Americans. Some comrades may not yet fully grasp this principle. How could such a plan have been conceived? You may not understand it now, but give it time, and you will. The American forces stationed in Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait must leave. They have no legitimate basis for remaining here; they must go. Among the Chinese people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, patriots far outnumber traitors. Therefore, political work must be carried out to gradually awaken the majority and isolate the small minority of sellouts. Given sufficient time, results will inevitably follow. As long as the Kuomintang in Taiwan refuses to engage in peaceful negotiations with us and reach a just settlement, civil war will persist. The Kuomintang claims that our repeated cease-fires and resumptions of hostilities are merely a Communist ploy. Yes, there has indeed been a pattern of on-again, off-again fighting, but it is no trick. Since you refuse to negotiate, war cannot be avoided. While you maintain this obstinate stance, we reserve the right to act as we see fit—to fight when we choose, and to pause when we choose. The Americans seek to meddle in our internal conflict, calling it a “ceasefire,” which is nothing short of laughable. By what authority do they speak on this matter? Whom do they represent? Nothing at all. Do they represent the American people? Yet China and the United States are not at war; there is no fire to cease. Do they represent the people of Taiwan? The Taiwanese authorities have issued them no mandate, and the KMT leadership firmly opposes any Sino-U.S. talks. The American nation is a great one, and its people are generally good-hearted. They desire peace and oppose war. However, certain elements within the U.S. government—for example, individuals like Dulles—are woefully misguided. Take, for instance, the very notion of a “ceasefire”—isn’t that simply a lack of common sense? The complete reunification of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu with the motherland is the sacred mission of our 650 million people. This is China’s internal affair; no foreign power, least of all the United Nations, has any right to interfere. All aggressors and their lackeys throughout the world will eventually be consigned to history. That day is not far off. They will not escape; even if they tried to flee to the moon, they could still be brought to justice. Wherever the enemy goes, so can we—we will always track them down. In short, victory belongs to the peoples of the world. In the waters around Kinmen, U.S. warships are prohibited from providing escort. Should they do so, we will open fire immediately. Strictly ordered.