Telegram to Peng Dehuai and Ren Bishi[1]

(December 1, 1936)

Zhang Xueliang acknowledges doing his utmost to bring about a ceasefire along the entire front, but also states that it cannot be sustained for long, as it seems Chiang Kai-shek is still unwilling to adopt a long-term defensive posture. Our army apparently needs to carry out consolidation on the one hand while preparing for combat on the other; one more battle and the overall situation will be settled. In December, we shall remain in the present area[2] in a posture of being ready at any moment to fight Hu, while intensifying rest and consolidation. After January and February, there is a possibility of relatively major changes in Suiyuan, the Northwest, and the whole country.

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

[2] Refers to the area of Dingbian, Yanchi, and Huanxian.