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

218 MAO TSE-TUNG
in our war strategy nor substitute it for mobile and positional warfare
as conducted by conventional forces.
3. GUERRILLA WARFARE IN HISTORY
Guerrilla warfare is neither a product of China nor peculiar to
the present day. From the earliest historical days, it has been a feature
of wars fought by every class of men against invaders and oppressors.
Under suitable conditions, it has great possibilities. The
many guerrilla wars in history have their points of difference, their
peculiar characteristics, their varying processes and conclusions, and
FROM MARX
TO MAO
we must respect and profit by the experience of those whose blood
⋆
was shed in them. What a pity it is that the priceless experience
gained during the several hundred wars waged by the peasants of
China cannot be marshaled today to guide us. Our only experience
in guerrilla hostilities has been that gained from the several conflicts
that have been carried on against us by foreign imperialists.
But that experience should help the fighting Chinese recognize the
necessity for guerrilla warfare and should confirm them in confidence
of ultimate victory.
In September 1812, Napoleon, in the course of swallowing all of
Europe, invaded Russia NOT at the head FOR of a great army totaling several
hundred thousand infantry, cavalry, and artillery. At that time, Russia
was weak and her ill-prepared army was not concentrated. The
most important phase COMMERCIAL
of her strategy was the use made of Cossack
cavalry and detachments of peasants to carry on guerrilla operations.
After giving up Moscow, the Russians formed nine guerrilla divisions
of about five hundred men each. These, and vast groups of
organized peasants, DISTRIBUTION
carried on partisan warfare and continually harassed
the French Army. When the French Army was withdrawing,
cold and starving, Russian guerrillas blocked the way and, in combination
with regular troops, carried out counter-attacks on the
French rear, pursuing and defeating them. The army of the heroic
Napoleon was almost entirely annihilated, and the guerrillas captured
many officers, men, cannon, and rifles. Though the victory
was the result of various factors, and depended largely on the activities
of the regular army, the function of the partisan groups was
extremely important. The corrupt and poorly organized country that
was Russia defeated and destroyed an army led by the most famous