To Yan Xishan and Zhao Daiwen[1]

(December 23, 1936)

(1) We deeply admire the Jin-Sui authorities for their heroic war of resistance against the Japanese aggressors, the opening up of the patriotic movement, and the abolition of anti-Communist organizations. The basic policies of our side and those of Jin-Sui are now aligned. We hope the Jin-Sui authorities will uphold these policies without change. (2) We hope to realize close cooperation between both sides immediately, beginning with a complete cessation of all civil war in the Northwest (including against the Red Army and against Xi’an), and to bring pressure on the pro-Japanese faction in Nanjing toward this end. (3) The Red Army requests that the Jin-Sui authorities agree to its advance into Suiyuan and Chahar to resist Japan. It is willing to accept the command of Yan, will not interfere in the administration or social order of Jin-Sui, and requests that Jin-Sui supply provisions and ammunition. (4) Establish transport and communication links between western Shanxi and northern Shaanxi, resume trade relations, beginning locally in Jixian and Yanchang. (5) Prevent Tang Enbo from returning to Shaanxi, and transfer Li Xianzhou, Gao Guizi, and Gao Shuangcheng out of northern Shaanxi. We earnestly request Yan and Zhao to give their vigorous assistance in this matter.

[1] This is the content Mao Zedong asked Qu Xiangcheng, the county magistrate of Ji County, Shanxi, to convey in person to Yan Xishan and Zhao Daiwen. Zhao Daiwen was then the Chairman of the Kuomintang Shanxi Provincial Government and Vice President of the Self-Strengthening and National Salvation Comrades Association.