Release from the Guomindang Prison, 1936

Abstract

On the basis of this and similar subsequent press statements, Bo Yibo, An Ziwen, Liu Lantao, Yang Xianzhen and several dozen other communist cadres were released from the Caolanzi Reformatory in the autumn of 1936. Committing their renunciation of communism to newsprint was only one of the requisite release procedures negotiated by the prison authorities with the CCP North Bureau representatives, but it appears to have been the most damaging in terms of its consequences for the signatories and their counsellors.

We are grateful for the Government’s leniency in pardoning our misdeeds in the past and allowing us to repent and renew ourselves. Now we have repented sincerely and are willing to become loyal citizens, resolutely against Communism, under the Government leadership. Hereafter we will never join any Communist organization nor engage in any reactionary activities. We also hope all promising youths shall not come under the influence of Communist agitation.

(Huabei ribao [North China Daily], 31 August 1936)¹