Telegram to Zhu De and Zhang Guotao[1]

(12 November 1936)

Where are the troops under Xu and Chen in the Hexi region now proceeding? What is their situation?

Given the conditions in the west, do they have confidence in advancing alone to approach Xinjiang? If they encounter difficulties, is it possible for them to return to east of the river?

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai to Zhu De and Zhang Guotao.