Telegram to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu [1]

(January 2, 1937)

At present, the crux of the overall situation lies in consolidating the unity of Zhang’s and Yang’s armies around the Red Army, so as to counter the pro-Japanese faction and steer the situation toward a favorable development.

Nanjing is also contesting this very move, seeking to win over Zhang’s and Yang’s armies through divisive and threatening tactics in order to isolate the Red Army.

[1] This telegram represents the main content of a message sent by Mao Zedong and Luo Fu (Zhang Wentian) to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu (Qin Bangxian).