To Zhang Xueliang[1]

(December 12, 1936)

Immediately redeploy the main force of the Northeastern Army to the Xi’an-Pingliang line and the main force of the Seventeenth Route Army to the Xi’an-Tongguan line. In the Guyuan, Qingyang, Fuxian, and Ganquan areas, only a small number of Red Army troops shall remain, and absolutely not an inch of territory shall be occupied. The Red Army shall undertake the task of pinning down the forces of Hu Zongnan, Zeng Wanzhong, Mao Bingwen, Guan Linzheng, and Li Xianzhou. Enlai plans to go to your place to discuss the overall plan.

[1] On December 12, 1936, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng carried out a “military remonstration” in Xi’an, detaining Chiang Kai-shek and issuing a nationwide telegram proposing eight demands, including the reorganization of the Nanjing government, cessation of the civil war, immediate release of the patriotic leaders arrested in Shanghai, release of all political prisoners nationwide, and immediate convening of a national salvation conference. On the same day, Zhang Xueliang telegraphed Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai: “For the sake of the Chinese nation and the future interests of the anti-Japanese front, we have disregarded everything and have now detained Chiang and others, compelling them to release patriotic elements and reorganize a coalition government. What are your esteemed views? Please reply promptly.” This is the main content of the reply telegram from Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai to Zhang Xueliang.