Concerning the Conditions for Negotiations with the Northeastern Army, a Telegram to Peng Dehuai (January 15, 1936)

Peng:

A. Propose the following conditions to Zhang and Wang:

1. All troops cease hostilities and devote full strength to resisting Japan and punishing Chiang.

2. For the present, each side remains in its original defense positions and refrains from attacking each other; mutually dispatch representatives to agree upon methods for a cease-fire.

3. Propose the organization of a national defense government and an anti-Japanese allied army; request Zhang’s and Wang’s views.

4. Request Zhang and Wang to indicate the minimum steps the Northeastern Army may possibly take at present to resist Japan and punish Chiang (whether active or passive).

5. Immediately exchange cipher codes.

6. Welcome Army Commander Wang to meet with Peng; at present it is also appropriate to send Zhou Huan to Luochuan. Prepare a suitable cipher code to take along; it is best to complete the round trip within seven days.

Mao Zedong
15th, 20:00

[1] Zhang and Wang refer to Zhang Xueliang and Wang Yizhe.