Chapter 25 Further implement the principle of independence and self-reliance in the united front

(11th, 15th, 1937) Zhou[1] also told Zhu Pengren[2]: A. Zhou Yuanhai telegram [3] learned. B. The current working principle in Shanxi is to "further implement independence in the united front", because the Kuomintang and Yan, Huang, and Wei [4] have basically lost their spirit and ability to continue to support Shanxi under the attack of the Japanese invaders.We have to be our own masters and reduce our hope and dependence on them. Therefore, the practice of "independence" must go "a step further" than in the past. This is absolutely necessary.But it is still independence in the united front, not absolute independence.We should still discuss with the Kuomintang and Yan, Huang, and Wei on major issues. For example, the articles mentioned in the Zhou Telegram and Zhu and Peng’s requests for supplements are completely correct. Just don’t hope or rely on them, because many things they promised cannot be fulfilled. .Our plan is based on the base point that we can continue to work when they do not promise or fulfill or are unreliable.

C. Agree to return to Yan'an after meeting with Zhu Pengren and Yan Huangwei. It is advisable to take the extended route when returning. Please hurry up to cross the Fen River for consultation. It is better to stay in Xi County. Mao Zedong twelve o'clock on the fifteenth Printed from transcripts kept at the Central Archives. -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ note [1] Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. [2] Zhu, refers to Zhu De.Peng, referring to Peng Dehuai, was the deputy commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army at the time.Ren refers to Ren Bishi, who was then the director of the Political Department of the Eighth Route Army.

[3] Refers to the two telegrams sent by Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong and others on November 13, 1937.In the previous telegram, it was stated that the air of seeking peace in Shanghai and Nanjing is getting stronger, and the Jin situation is also in danger. It is suggested: (1) to oppose compromise and seek peace, and adhere to the North China War of Resistance as the center of all mobilization; (2) Emphasize guerrilla resistance and strive for (3) Extensively develop guerrilla warfare and train cadres to persevere in the war of resistance; (4) Expand the Eighth Route Army to enhance the decisive role of the main force; (6) Strengthen the work of the military regions; (7) Realize the democratization of local politics; (8) Implement the party's theater policy and organize the people to launch mass struggles; (9) Strengthen the struggle against traitors.The latter telegram stated that the Eighth Route Army would gain a leadership position in North China as it shifted from regular warfare to guerrilla warfare.But at present, we still believe that we will deploy guerrilla warfare in North China with the consent and support of the Nanjing authorities and Yan Xishan, so that it will be easier to win over allies, expand the Eighth Route Army, and develop guerrilla warfare. The telegram also talked about the discussion with Wei Lihuang and Huang Shaohong. After discussing with Yan Xishan and Peng Dehuai, he returned to Yan'an.

[4] Yan, Huang, and Wei refer to Yan Xishan, Huang Shaohong, and Wei Lihuang, who were respectively the commander-in-chief, deputy commander-in-chief, and commander-in-chief of the 14th Army of the Kuomintang Army at the time.