At Present Our Forces Should Persevere
in the Orientation of Rest and Readjustment,
and Delaying the Enemy's Advance
(October 16, 1936, 10:00 P.M.)

To Ren [Bishi], He [Long], Guan [Xiangying], and Liu [Bocheng], and to Zhu
[De] and Zhang [Guotao]:

1. We have taken note of your telegram of the 14th. After arriving in the area
of Shanjiaji and Xiaohe City, the Second Front Army may begin rest and readjustment immediately. This area is relatively rich, and when the First Front Army
carries out its new task of assuming security duty in the south, it will have the
opportunity to rest as well.
2. At the moment the basic orientation of all three of our front armies should
be rest and readjustment, storing up ardent spirits, and preparing to carry out new
strategic tasks. As regards the enemy, the orientation is to delay his advance. We
estimate that, given the conditions, including the enemy's situation and the topography, this objective can be achieved. Even if we cannot cross the river by
boat, we should continue to maintain this orientation, which is the only way to
reap greater benefit in our future operations.

Mao [Zedong] Zhou [Enlai]

Our source for this document is Mao Zedong junshi wenji, Vol. 1, pp. 630-31, where it is
reproduced from a copy in the Central Archives.