(October 8, 1936)
3. It is expected that, faced with a new Japanese offensive, Nanjing may
come to a compromise with us, but it will also deploy large troop strengths
against our borders in an attempt to control us. We should strive to begin negotiations quickly with major Nanjing representatives to form a united front between
the two sides, under the basic conditions of carrying out resistance to Japan, and
of preserving the soviet areas and the Red Army.

To Comrades Zhu [De], Zhang [Guotao], Xu [Xiangqian], Chen [Changhao],
Ren [Bishi], He [Long], Guan [Xiangying], and Liu [Bocheng], and to Comrade
[Peng] Dehuai:

1. In order that political, military, and diplomatic secrets may be securely
protected, beginning today telegrams sent to you will be in secret code. Please
designate a specific person to translate, and burn and destroy them as soon as
you nine comrades have read them. You will please be responsible to us, and do
not let any other person know.
2. The Nanjing representative for the third liaison meeting arrived in
Guangzhou on September 20, and on the 28th a telegram from the other side
arrived saying that if a representative from the other side came north he might
attract attention and inviting [Zhou] Enlai to fly to Hong Kong or Guangzhou for
talks. We have replied by telegram:
a. A new large-scale Japanese attack is imminent, and it is earnestly hoped
that Nanjing will uphold the national position and make immediate preparations for a war of resistance. Our side is willing to devote all its energies
to mutual assistance. Under no circumstances whatsoever can we once
again make concessions leading to the loss of territorial sovereignty, thus
disappointing the entire nation yet again.
b. Immediately put into effect a temporary cessation of hostilities against the
Red Army to facilitate talks between major representatives of both sides. It
is feasible for [Zhou] Enlai to fly to Guangzhou, on the condition that his
safety can be guaranteed.
c. Our side has declared that, as long as the other side does not obstruct our
anti-Japanese resistance and refrains from invading the rear of the anti-Japanese resistance, the Red Army will lead the way in carrying out a cessation of hostilities against the other side, as an expression of our side's
sincere desire to halt the civil war and join together to resist Japan. Only
when attacked by the other side, when our side has no choice but to take up
a defensive position, shall we return the attack as necessary.

Our source for this telegram is the 1985 annual compendium of Wenxian he yanjiu, pp.
183-84.
Luo Fu
[Mao] Zedong