To Liu Ding[1]

(September 23, 1936)

The conditions for negotiations between our Party and Nanjing have been handed to Pan Hannian to bring to Xi’an. It is very good that Zhang Xueliang is mediating therein; the swift achievement of peace and unification would be a blessing for the nation and the people. As Chiang Kai-shek attacks the Northwest, our side is already fairly well prepared; we shall assume a defensive position and strike back, so as to prompt his awakening.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram to Liu Ding.