Regarding the United Resistance Against Japan and National Salvation

A Letter to Yang Hucheng

(December 5, 1936)

Your Excellency Director-in-Chief Huchen:

I have heard indirectly that you have issued a proclamation to the people, reaffirming the great revolutionary principles of fifteen years ago—what joy this brings! Over the past several months, I have been deeply and indescribably grateful for the considerable assistance your esteemed side has rendered to our side. Henceforth, as both sides grow increasingly close day by day, the foundation of the united front will be further consolidated, and upon this, far-reaching plans shall be built. Chiang Kai-shek persists in having his own way. After the two battles at Yincheng and Shanchengbao, where he was taught a slight lesson, he has been alternately advancing and retreating over the past half month, his dejected state all too apparent—a pewter spearhead posing as silver, as detestable as it is laughable.

Comrade Zhang Wenbin having been assigned elsewhere, I hereby dispatch Comrade Li Tao to call upon you, and I trust you will kindly grant him an interview. There are several matters I wish to discuss with Your Excellency: First, regarding the grand plan of united national salvation, there ought to be a concrete plan of cooperation for the five or six provinces and regions centered on Chang’an. This matter depends greatly upon your vigorous efforts to mediate. Whatever benefits the resistance against Japan and national salvation, our side will be most willing to comply. Chiang Kai-shek hesitates at the crossroads, seeking compromise externally while continuing the civil war internally. Nothing short of uniting the forces of all quarters in resistance can compel him onto the path of resisting Japan and saving the nation. This is the first matter concerning the grand plan of national salvation that merits consultation. Secondly, since the convergence of the three front armies of our side, unity has been consolidated and morale is very high. The current policy is to resolutely defend the Soviet Area, and any intruders shall be utterly destroyed. However, the forces are very large, supply is difficult, and ammunition also awaits replenishment. Considering that we are ranked among the friendly armies resisting Japan, I propose to borrow temporarily from your side 300,000 yuan. Apart from 100,000 yuan to be used by your side to purchase ammunition on our behalf, the remaining 200,000 yuan shall serve as expenses for supplies, clothing, and bedding. If you, brother, generously consent, please arrange for the sum to be disbursed in batches. With the sudden increase in troops, without provisions it is difficult to sustain them, and I cannot but make this appeal for grain to Your Excellency. Your Excellency treats friends with utmost sincerity, and I trust you will not obstinately refuse this request. The repayment period shall be around next March, and we shall absolutely not break faith.

I have also prepared one hundred light machine guns; should your side need them, I respectfully offer them as a gift. This matter of funds and ammunition is urgent, and I merely submit it for consultation as the second point. Thirdly, although the future direction of our army’s movements is still difficult to determine at present, whether east, west, south, or north, we shall be as closely related as lips and teeth, sharing weal and woe with your army. Before any cooperation is established with Nanjing, whether dealing with Japan or with Chiang, we must earnestly seek your side’s assistance. Once this policy is determined, we shall immediately inform you. Brother, you are of high wisdom; whatever counsel you may have, please convey it secretly, and I shall be endlessly grateful. This is the third matter, concerning the imperative need for mutual assistance in the actions of both sides. Fourthly, long-distance communications can no longer be delayed. I am most gratified that you have agreed to implement this immediately. A certain comrade having other duties, I have now selected another person, who will carry the cipher codes and call signs and accompany Comrade Li to your esteemed quarters. From December 15 onward, all important and confidential matters shall be exchanged via telegraphic dispatches. Furthermore, robbery incidents occur frequently along the Ganquan-Fushi road, with cases even involving injury and vehicle hijacking. Some of these have been perpetrated by local guerrilla units from the Soviet Area due to lax discipline, for which our side deeply apologizes. Upon verification of the facts, we are willing to pay compensation and solace. At the same time, we have issued strict orders prohibiting such acts, aiming to eradicate these evils and purify the atmosphere. As for those committed by bandits and scattered soldiers from the eastern mountains, we also request that your side dispatch troops to suppress them, so as to ensure that communications are maintained without any hindrance. This is the fourth matter, concerning the urgent need to establish or reorganize communications and transportation.

The above four matters pertain either to the grand plan of resisting Japan, or to urgent military necessities, or to the actions of both armies, or to communications and liaison. I respectfully lay bare my humble opinions for consultation and earnestly request your examination and reply. The north wind grows harsh; for the sake of the nation, please take good care of yourself. With respectful wishes for your official well-being, I refrain from further words.

Your younger brother,
Mao Zedong, handwritten

December 5