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

416 MAO TSE-TUNG
the remaining sum of 4,720,080 yuan in use.
The lessons of experience are:
(i) We helped the ordinary folk to buy cloth, paper, oil, salt and
other necessities, and we strengthened relations between the army
and the people.
(ii) We helped the troops to buy daily necessities by making it
possible for the soldiers’ income of 1 yuan to purchase soap, towels,
toothbrushes, toothpaste etc., at a time when the Eighth Route Army
was in difficult economic circumstances. On the other hand, the
troops rightfully bought daily necessities with their money which
reduced improper and wasteful behaviour among the troops.
(iii) Building friendships is very important. If we had not had
FROM MARX
TO MAO
good relations with the merchants of Laiyuan, we could not have
⋆
bought goods.
(iv) Surplus income supplemented expenditure for our forces.
(v) We sold local products and put limits on goods from outside.
However, since we did not inspect strictly and provide firm
leadership, some shops could not carry out this work in a pleasant
and integrated manner. They only looked after narrow departmental
interests and neglected all-round economic construction.
(vi) Before 1940 we did not know much about setting up a Commercial
information network, and only knew how to work hard. As
a result we suffered quite NOT a few losses FOR from rises and few in prices.
In 1941 we set up such a network to report on the situation in various
places and built up liaison with some big merchants. We learned
of rises and falls COMMERCIAL
in prices at the right time. Therefore we did not
make losses of this kind in 1941 and 1942.
(vii) We liaised and worked together with local experienced
merchants able to operate outside the Border Region. When we encountered
difficulties DISTRIBUTION
in the supply of raw materials for spinning
and weaving, we obtained great help. However, we also encountered
some rogue merchants who used us to carry out their own business,
damaging our operations.
(viii) There were too many people working in the store not earning
their keep and adding to expenses.
(ix) Frequent contact with merchants from outside enabled us
to understand each other’s policies and attitudes, reducing misunderstandings
and building friendships.
(x) We tested the cadres’ Party spirit, thought and ability.
(xi) Only with strict administration and a correlate system of