Chapter 9 Instructions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Propaganda Work of the Question of When to Defeat Japan[1]

(May 1, 1943) All central bureaus and central sub-bureaus: Regarding when to defeat Japan: (1) When the Soviet Union proposed to defeat Germany in 1942, it was based on the agreement between Britain and the United States to establish a second front in 1942[2]. The goal of mobilizing efforts But when Britain and the United States did not open up a second front and had no new agreement, they did not continue to promote such slogans.This is an instance in which circumstances change and propaganda must change with it. (2) When the Soviet Union proposed the above-mentioned slogan in accordance with the agreement between Britain and the United States, our Party also proposed the slogan of defeating Japan in 1943. This is not only possible but should be done.But when Britain and the United States failed to fulfill their promises and the defeat of Germany last year was not achieved, our party should not continue to promote such slogans, but should explain to the masses the reason why Japan cannot be defeated this year, and encourage the masses to persevere in striving for victory.Regarding this point, the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee has explained the main points of propaganda in the past, and the "Liberation Daily" since last autumn has also changed its tune.

(3) However, there are individual grounds that the leading comrades on the ground still do not understand this meaning. Instead of giving a proper explanation, they mechanically continue to promote the slogan of defeating Japan this year, so that people doubt and ask questions, but they still do not know how to explain it. , repeatedly called the central government to inquire.This is the reason for not knowing that propaganda should change as circumstances change. (4) Whether Britain and the United States will open up a second front this year, or whether the Soviet Union will be able to independently defeat Hitler this year, is still uncertain at this time.The Soviet Union has now put forward the slogan of preparing for a decisive battle, and the strength of the Red Army has greatly increased. Therefore, there is a great possibility of defeating Hitler this year, but there is also the possibility that it will not be defeated until next year.If Germany can be defeated this year, it is possible to defeat Japan next year, otherwise the time will be delayed.All over the country, propaganda, do not emphasize the time to defeat Japan in the present few months, and when the situation in Europe is fully clear, the Central Committee and the "Liberation Daily" will have their own instructions.

(5) Regarding past slogans, where there are many doubts and public explanations are required, they will be explained publicly, and only individual comrades who ask questions will be answered individually, and where there are no doubts, no explanations will be given. (6) All bureaus and sub-bureaus of the Central Committee must make long-term persistent plans, prepare for another two to three years of extremely hard struggle, and must prepare for possible unexpected changes.If the victory comes early, we will not suffer a loss; if the victory is delayed, we have long been mentally prepared and prepared for work.

Central Secretariat May 1st Printed from transcripts kept at the Central Archives. -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ note [1] This is an intra-party directive drafted by Mao Zedong for the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. [2] For the second front, see note [3] on page 7 of this volume.