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

ON GUERILLA WARFARE
not in accord with the conception of self-imposed discipline. Discipline
of the feudal type will destroy internal unity and fighting
strength. A discipline self-imposed is the primary characteristic of
a democratic system in the army.
A secondary characteristic is found in the degree of liberties
accorded officers and soldiers. In a revolutionary army, all individuals
enjoy political liberty and the question, for example, of the
emancipation of the people must not only be tolerated but discussed,
and propaganda must be encouraged. Further, in such an army, the
mode of living of the officers and the soldiers must not differ too
much, and this is particularly true in the case of guerilla troops.
Officers should live under the same conditions as their men, for that
FROM MARX
TO MAO
is the only way in which they can gain from their men the admira-
⋆
tion and confidence so vital in war. It is incorrect to hold to a theory
of equality in all things. But there must be equality of existence in
accepting the hardships and dangers of war. Thus we may attain to
the unification of the officer and soldier groups, a unity both horizontal
within the group itself, and vertical, that is, from lower to
higher echelons. It is only when such unity is present that units can
be said to be powerful combat factors.
There is also a unity of spirit that should exist between troops
and local inhabitants. The Eighth Route Army put into practice a code
known as “Three Rules and the Eight Remarks”, which we list here:
Rules:
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL
All actions are subject to command.
Do not steal from the people.
Be neither selfish nor unjust.
Remarks:
DISTRIBUTION
Replace the door when you leave the house.
Roll up the bedding on which you have slept.
Be courteous.
Be honest in your transactions.
Return what you borrow.
Replace what you break.
Do not bathe in the presence of women.
Do not without authority search those you arrest.
239