To Xu Xiangqian and Chen Changhao[1]

(December 6, 1936)

(A) The distant side[2] can deliver the goods to Anxi in about two and a half months. (B) As your first step, seize the opportunity to capture Ganzhou[3]; as your second step, capture Suzhou and investigate whether the road from Suzhou to Anxi is suitable for troop movement. Calculate the total number of days needed to occupy Ganzhou and Suzhou, including time for rest and replenishment. Plan for the entire Western Route Army, including the Red Fifth Army, to concentrate and train in the Ganzhou area for one to two weeks, to rest their strength and recover their energy. (C) Our main forces, under the task of defending the Soviet Area and annihilating Hu’s troops, will not advance westward for the time being.

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

[2] The distant side refers to the Soviet Union and the Communist International.

[3] Ganzhou, present-day Zhangye.