To Comrade Zhang Xueliang

On the KMT-CCP Negotiations and Our Principled Stand

(December 10, 1936)

Brother Liyi:

(A) Yucang has already set out and can arrive at your place on the 15th.

(B) Chen Lifu has sought out Hannian for talks for the third time, proposing that the Red Army be kept at 30,000 men and submit to Nanjing, demanding concessions from our side. We replied that we fundamentally disagree with Chiang Kai-shek’s policy of compromise with foreign powers and harsh demands at home, and even more fundamentally reject his insulting attitude toward the Red Army. The Red Army may only agree to change its designation to an anti-Japanese one, delineate anti-Japanese defense zones, and submit to anti-Japanese command under the premise of resisting Japan and saving the nation. Not a single soldier or officer can be reduced; on the contrary, it must be expanded. If the other side has sincerity, it must immediately cease hostilities, withdraw beyond the Soviet areas, and quietly await the outcome of negotiations.

(C) We are determined to seek peace through war and will absolutely make no unprincipled concessions.

(D) Since the Shanghai radio station has not yet been established, we temporarily have no choice but to route communications through you. There is now an important telegram to be sent to Hannian; I request that you kindly forward it.

Di Donglai

Sent at 3–5 p.m.

[1] Referring to Ye Jianying.