K. This is the 1st working draft of vol. VI. It still ... - From Marx to Mao

156 MAO TSE-TUNG
generally no way to verify whether or not their tasks are executed
in accordance with orders, and frequently they act beyond the knowledge
of the responsible commander. For this reason, the choice and
training of members of guerrilla units should have as its central
theme “faithfully carrying out one’s task.”
(7) The choice and the nomination of the commander of a guerrilla
task group or small group requires even greater forethought and
reflection. The capacity of the commanders for faithful and courageous
action, their military knowledge — especially their knowledge
of guerrilla tactics — their possession of a lively intelligence
and the ability to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances, their loyalty,
and their daring are indispensable conditions for carrying out
FROM MARX
TO MAO
plans and completing our tasks.
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3. NUMBER OF TROOPS
The number of men belonging to a guerrilla unit is determined
by the tasks, but it commonly ranges from five or ten men to something
over a thousand. However, the maximum strength of such a
unit may not exceed one regiment. If the number of soldiers is too
large, the movements of our forces will be encumbered, there will
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be greater difficulties regarding food supply, and it will be difficult
to conceal the troops by the use of false uniforms. Because of these
problems, our plans may be discovered or revealed before they have
been carried out. Moreover, replenishing our supplies of ammuni-
tion will be a problem. Furthermore, we will often have difficulties
because of poor roads, with the result that not only will all our plans
prove merely illusory, but also we will often fall into difficulties to
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no good purpose in going and returning.
The great superiority of a small guerrilla unit lies in its remarkable
mobility. With very little expenditure of time and effort, one
can get food, and it is also easy to find a place to rest, for one does
not need much in the way of rations or a place of shelter to camp.
Still less is one held up by bad roads, and supplies of ammunition
and medicine are also easy to replenish. If we do not succeed in our
operation, we can retreat in good order.