Regarding the Content of Zhou Enlai’s Letter to Chiang Kai-shek: Telegram to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu (January 9, 1937)

Zhou and Bo:

After Hannian goes out and Zhou sends the letter to Chiang, the content should be as follows:

(A) It is necessary to emphatically state that peace must be maintained and war must on no account be pursued. Chiang must be urged to restrain a segment of the war advocates who, disregarding the overall situation, are objectively aiding Japan and gravely harming China. Only with Zhang’s return can the Northwest issue be properly resolved. Chiang should be asked to pay attention to this point.

(B) With regard to the withdrawal of troops and the formation of the government, Chiang should be asked to take charge entirely on his own and not be obstructed by external forces.

(C) Zhou finds it temporarily difficult to leave. Once the overall situation is slightly settled, he can go out to see Chiang.

(D) On the basis of internal peace and external resistance to Japan, the Communist Party will use all its strength to support Chiang.

(E) The wording must not be too sharp, and it must include words of praise for Chiang’s initial actions—withdrawing troops, pardoning Zhang, and showing consideration for the overall situation—which are greatly admirable. The responsibility for advocating war should be placed solely on He Yingqin, so as to leave room for maneuvering.

(F) Hannian may stay an extra day or two; there is no need to leave tomorrow, in order to facilitate military arrangements.

Luo and Mao
9th, 14:00