To Nan Hanchen[1]

(December 23, 1936)

Because the 17th Route Army is not consolidated, it is extremely necessary to vigorously carry out political work. Yang Huchen earnestly hopes that you will return to help.

When you arrive at the 17th Route Army, you should strengthen the resolve of its military and political cadres to resist Japan and save the nation, to ally with the Red Army and ally with the Communist Party, to fear no sacrifice, and to carry it through to the end with direct action, and develop the Party’s organization, striving to turn the 17th Route Army into a genuine people’s anti-Japanese army.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram to Nan Hanchen.