Comrade Hannian:

Your telegram of the 8th has been received.

A. The cooperation is for the purpose of carrying out resistance to Japan and national salvation. However, up to the present day, Chiang Kai-shek still appears to lack the resolve to resist Japan and save the nation. The cooperation negotiations lack the necessary prerequisites. If you gentlemen of the pro-resistance faction in Nanjing cannot prompt such resolve in Mr. Chiang, then the negotiations clearly hold no prospect of rapid success.

B. We fundamentally cannot agree to Mr. Chiang’s policy of compromise externally and harsh exactions internally, and we even more fundamentally reject his insulting attitude toward the Red Army.

C. On the premise that the other side faithfully and unequivocally recognizes its participation in resistance to Japan and national salvation, the Red Army can change its designation for resisting Japan, delineate defense zones for resisting Japan, and obey the command for resisting Japan. On these points we do not insist on formal equality, nor is it necessary for two governments to appear in the negotiations. However, the two parties (not two governments) must equally sign a political and military agreement on resistance to Japan and national salvation. The Red Army cannot be reduced by a single soldier or a single officer; moreover, it must be expanded. Apart from carrying out the task of resistance to Japan and national salvation, there is no room for any discussion whatsoever.

D. If the other side has sincerity, it must immediately cease its attacks and withdraw its troops beyond the Soviet areas, and quietly await the results of the negotiations.

Yang Ziren
Zhenyou