Directive to Li Kenong[1]

(February 21, 1936)

It is estimated that Zhang Xueliang is willing to continue negotiations with us and is prepared to conclude a mutual non-aggression pact; he agrees to resist Japan but does not agree to punitive action against Chiang Kai-shek; he does not oppose the slogans of a national defense government and an anti-Japanese allied army, but disagrees with immediately implementing these slogans; he accepts Chiang Kai-shek’s strategy, namely, abolishing the Soviet Red Army, abolishing the Soviet system, and abandoning insurrectionary tactics. Under these circumstances, our strategy should be: distinguish Zhang Xueliang from Chiang Kai-shek at every turn; seek the conclusion of a mutual non-aggression pact; persist in the convening of an anti-Japanese national salvation congress, and insist that resisting Japan and punishing traitors are inseparable; if Zhang proposes abolishing the Soviets, then Kenong should propose abolishing the Nanjing government, initiating preliminary discussions at the anti-Japanese national salvation congress on abolishing both governments and establishing a political system reflecting the public will of the entire nation; if Zhang proposes abandoning insurrection, then Kenong should propose abolishing all oppressive systems and feudal exploitation under the Kuomintang; demand a cessation of the civil war, no obstruction of the nationwide concentration of the Red Army in Hebei, and no opposition to the Red Army serving as the anti-Japanese vanguard; make no concessions on principles, but do not rupture negotiations. On the 25th, Li Kenong and others are to arrive in Luochuan for talks with Wang Yizhe.

[1] This is the main content of the “Directive to Li Kenong” issued by Mao Zedong, Luo Fu (Zhang Wentian), and Peng Dehuai in the name of the CPC Central Committee and the Military Commission.