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

164 MAO TSE-TUNG
else, either to attack other isolated and weak forces of the enemy or
to attack his reinforcements on the march.
3. ADVANTAGEOUS AND DISADVANTAGEOUS TERRAIN
1. Because open terrain affords very little good cover, it is
slightly disadvantageous for us when guerrilla units operate there.
Covered, mountainous, or broken terrain are advantageous for us.
2. A guerrilla unit should be thoroughly familiar with the terrain
in its region of action and should think frequently about the
ways in which it can appear from a place where the enemy army
FROM MARX
TO MAO
does not expect it, following secret and hidden routes such as val-
⋆
leys, forests, or narrow winding paths, so as to approach close to
the enemy army and take advantage of a situation in which the enemy,
persuaded he is quite secure, has taken no measure of defence
whatsoever. Then, following the principle that the “thunderclap
leaves no time to cover one’s ears,” the unit can strike sudden blows
and then vanish into hiding without a trace, thus reducing the enemy
to a level where he does not feel secure whether he is withdrawing
or advancing, attacking or defending, moving or remaining
still, sitting or lying down.
3. Relatively large villages, NOT market FOR towns, and places where there
is a reasonably large amount of grain and other moveable property
are frequently the objects of enemy attack and harassment. A guerrilla
unit should COMMERCIAL
regularly spy out the enemy’s traces, and prepare
an ambush so as to attack him when he is in the midst of his march.
4. A guerrilla unit should use every method, within its area of
action, to prevent the enemy’s small units from entering, and his
main force from DISTRIBUTION
concealing itself there. In case of necessity, a guerrilla
unit should also strive to unmask the military strength, disposition,
and plans of the enemy operating outside its area of action.
4. SEASONS
A guerrilla unit must consider the seasons (winter, summer, or
autumn are suitable for operations), with reference to the strength
of our forces and those of the enemy, and especially with reference
to the weapons of war; it must also be thoroughly familiar