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

BASIC TACTICS
(a) We must frequently avail ourselves of the tales of the
glorious feats of arms in our past, in order to carry out propaganda
among our officers and soldiers and inspire them.
(b) We put forward examples of the enemy’s defects (such
as difficulties, collapses, and other problems that he has recently
encountered), in order to demonstrate that in the end
the enemy must be defeated.
(c) We must put forward examples of our own strong
points (such as the support of the popular masses, transmission
of information, familiarity with the terrain) and the
present victorious circumstances, in order to demonstrate that
FROM MARX
TO MAO
we must ultimately triumph.
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(d) By exposing the clever tricks habitually used by the
enemy, we make known the points to which our army should
pay particular attention, in order to prevent the emergence
of a mentality of fearing or underestimating the enemy.
After we have suffered an attack, we sink for a time into a situation
characterized by difficulties and painful effort, and as a consequence
we underestimate ourselves, exaggerate the enemy’s
strength, and lose our confidence in victory.
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL
7. POLITICAL WORK IN TIME OF BATTLE.
Political work before we set out is carried on as described below.
DISTRIBUTION
(1) The commander in chief of the unit first calls a meeting
of the cadres. He explains in what respects the existing political
situation is favorable to us, as well as the conditions of victory
and the significance of the battle. He also explains the
methods and points for attention in attaining our goal, but without
infringing military secrecy.
(2) On the basis of the meeting of the cadres, the political
training section immediately calls meetings of political workers
at all levels, at which the essential points and the methods of
propaganda are explained and concrete tasks are assigned.
(3) The various groups immediately call meetings of all the
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