Abstract: After the Resistance War against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) fully broke out, professors of National Southwest Associated University (NSAU) assumed the double responsibilities of saving the nation through war and building the country through academic research. One of their efforts was delivering public speeches to disseminate ideas, publicize war situations of the country and the world, frankly tell people their opinions regarding state affairs, popularize literacy and mobilize young men to join the army. Their speeches enabled the students and the general public to better understand the on-going war, the current situation and the cultural affairs, successfully forging a third-party front on public opinion to help foster among their listeners the idea of “notion of nation” that included: 1) the spirit of the May 4th Movement characterized by pursuit for democracy and science; 2) the political awareness characterized by patriotism and progress; and 3) the great inspiration to urgently fight for national independence. The mass publicity forms centering around speeches of NSAU professors showed the awakening of their national identification and historical commitment and highlighted the notion of nation of saving the country through academic and cultural activities, thus best demonstrating their sincere love for the country.

Key words: National Southwest Associated University (NSAU), notion of nation, public opinion, mobilization