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

228 MAO TSE-TUNG
rary, their leaders must lend all possible support to the organization
of guerrilla units from among the people. These units must be so
disciplined that they hold together after the departure of the regulars.
The third type of unit consists of a detachment of regulars who
are permanently assigned guerrilla duties. This type of small detachment
does not have to be prepared to rejoin the regular forces.
Its post is somewhere in the rear of the enemy, and there it becomes
the backbone of guerrilla organization. As an example of this type
of organization we may take the Wu Tat Shan district in the heart of
the Hopeh-Chahar-Shansi area. Along the borders of these provinces,
units from the Eighth Route Army have established a frame-
FROM MARX
TO MAO
work or guerrilla operations. Around these small cores, many de-
⋆
tachments have been organized and the area of guerrilla activity
greatly expanded. In areas in which there is a possibility of cutting
the enemy’s lines of supply, this system should be used. Severing
enemy supply routes destroys his lifeline; this is one feature that
cannot be neglected. If, at the time the regular forces withdraw from
a certain area, some units are left behind, these should conduct guerrilla
operations in the enemy’s rear. As an example of this, we have
the guerrilla bands now continuing their independent operations in
the Shanghai-Woosung area in spite of the withdrawal of regular
forces. NOT FOR
The fourth type of organization is the result of a merger between
small regular detachments and local guerrilla units. The regular
forces may dispatch COMMERCIAL
a squad, a platoon, or a company, which is placed
at the disposal of the local guerrilla commander. If a small group
experienced in military and political affairs is sent, it becomes the
core of the local guerrilla unit. These several methods are all excellent,
and if properly DISTRIBUTION
applied, the intensity of guerilla warfare can
be extended. In the Wu Tat Shan area, each of these methods has
been used.
The fifth type mentioned above is from the local militia, from
police and home guards. In every North China province, there are
now many of these groups, and they should be formed in every locality.
The government has issued a mandate to the effect that the
people are not to depart from war areas. The officer in command of
the county, the commander of the peace-preservation unit, the chief
of police are all required to obey this mandate. They cannot retreat
with their forces but must remain at their stations and resist.