Regarding the Cancellation of Hostile Acts, Mutual Non-Aggression, and Other Issues

Letter to Sun Weiru

(September 3, 1936)

Esteemed Army Commander Weiru:

Since the arrival of Mr. Sun Zuobin, I have learned of your ardent sentiments for resisting Japan and your willingness to share a common hatred of the enemy, for which I am deeply moved and filled with admiration. Since our army entered Shaanxi last year, and now with the continued northward march of the Second and Fourth Front Armies, our will has been entirely directed toward resisting Japan. Although your side and our side are in close proximity, bordering upon each other, I have never regarded your esteemed army as an enemy. Truly, since we are all Chinese, what suspicions and hatred could there be to cause us to torment one another! Moreover, our side has great understanding for the circumstances in which you and Mr. Hucheng find yourselves. Therefore, over the past ten months, even though your side has not given a clear expression regarding our requests for cooperation, our side has never altered its own policy. Now the overall situation in the Northwest grows increasingly urgent. There is no way to save ourselves or the nation other than uniting to resist Japan. In particular, with your esteemed troops moving to station at Fushi and Luochuan, both sides are drawing even closer, making unity and solidarity all the more essential. We greatly welcome the various points conveyed by Mr. Sun. From this day forward, both sides should cancel hostile acts, each abide by its original defense lines, and refrain from mutual infringement. At the same time, economic trade shall be permitted, and the safety of personnel traveling between the two sides shall be guaranteed. The militia corps of your side and the guerrilla units of our side shall each be responsible for exercising restraint over their own forces, so as to prevent further misunderstandings. For the sake of concealing matters from outside eyes and ears, everything may be carried out in a covert manner. As for exchanging intelligence, mutually dispatching permanent representatives, and agreeing upon communication codes, all are necessary and await your decision. The rest shall be conveyed orally by Mr. Sun. Attached separately is a letter from our side to the Chinese Nationalist Party, which I also request you to examine. With these brief words, I wish you honor and success.

Please convey my regards to Mr. Hucheng.

Respectfully,
Mao Zedong
September 3