Letter to Du Bincheng[1]

(December 5, 1935)

I am deeply moved to learn from Comrade Wang Feng that you have not forgotten your devotion to the revolution. At this juncture, whether considering the nation as a whole, the Northwest, or Shaanxi, there is no way out other than resisting Japan and opposing Chiang Kai-shek. The best course for the present is truly to promptly take united action with our side and form a united front. Our side is willing, under the initial condition of mutual non-aggression, to discuss with Mr. Hucheng all fundamental plans for saving the nation from subjugation and ensuring its survival. If we can have you acting as an intermediary in planning, with the goal of jointly fighting against the common enemy, our army is very willing to reach an understanding with Mr. Hucheng and gradually proceed toward the steps of jointly organizing an anti-Japanese allied army and a national defense government. You, sir, are a leading figure in the Northwest. The time to rise up, throw yourself into the struggle, and take bold action is now. Figures in the Northeastern Army such as Shen Ke and others (in our army’s recent pursuit of Dong Yingbin, the destruction of one regiment of Shen’s division was not our wish) should all be united with. Mr. Deng Baoshan[2] of Gansu is also a person who has absolutely no way out; our army is also willing to establish relations with him.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s letter to Du Bincheng, General Counselor of the 17th Route Army of the Kuomintang forces.
[2] Deng Baoshan, then Commander of the New 1st Army of the Kuomintang forces.