Strive to Keep the Peace,
Avoid Civil War, and
Maintain the Status Quo
in the Northwest
(January 9, 1937, 8:00 P.M.)
To Zhou [Enlai] and for transmission to Peng [Dehuai] and Ren [Bishi]:

--- Notes

1. Our basic policy at present is to strive to keep the peace, draw Chiang
[Kaishek] and Song [Ziwen] over to our side, arouse public opinion in the
various factions and circles within the country, stir up Britain and the United
States, maintain the status quo in the Northwest, and refrain from opening fire
unless absolutely necessary. This policy should be explained to Yang [Hucheng],
He [Zhuguo], Sun [Weiru], Wang [Yizhe], Miao [Chengliu], Liu [Duoquan], Du
[Bincheng], and Huang [Xiansheng], as well as the leading members of the
Propaganda Committee, and their "leftist" propaganda should be rectified. In
the military arena, however, all efforts still must be made to prepare for war,
with absolutely no letup.

2. The Red Army troops are gathering in Sanyuan and Xianyang and awaiting
an opportunity; they are not to move recklessly. One additional regiment from
Yang [Hucheng]'s troops will be sent to Shangxian to maintain a tenacious
defense. The Fifteenth Army Group should, however, prepare to advance to
Shangxian to await further opportunities after resting for three days.