To Xu Xiangqian and Chen Changhao[1]

(November 28, 1936)

In my opinion, concentrate the entire force of eighteen thousand men within an area of forty to fifty li. When advancing, advance in a concentrated manner; when retreating, retreat in a concentrated manner; when fighting, fight in a concentrated manner. Either do not fight, or if you fight, you must encircle and annihilate a part. If this is done two or three times, the problems will be resolved, and education and training will also be more convenient. As long as there is no shortage of grain, this method seems preferable. I hope you will consider and act accordingly.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Xu Xiangqian, Commander-in-Chief of the Western Route Army of the Red Army, and Chen Changhao, its Political Commissar.