To Resolve Doubts, a Personal Letter from Chiang Kai-shek Is Required; Then a Thorough and Peaceful Settlement Can Be Achieved[1]

(January 25, 1937)

Comrade Hannian:

Telegram received.

(A) Yang, Yu, and Sun have issued a public telegram assuming their new posts and are prepared to dissolve their provisional organization. This shows their submission to the Central Government. At present, it is only necessary for Mr. Chiang to act with magnanimity, refrain from stationing large numbers of troops in Shaanxi and Gansu, treat Hancheng with leniency, and demonstrate concern for the two units to dispel their doubts. Then a thorough and peaceful settlement can be achieved. We will do our utmost to mediate and ensure success.

(B) To persuade the Red Army commanders, it would be extremely difficult without a personal letter from Mr. Chiang. After years of confrontation, a simple gesture of reconciliation at this moment would serve as a clear demonstration of Mr. Chiang’s good faith and completely dispel the Red Army’s doubts. Moreover, this letter, passing through your hands, should state that you will take the opportunity to fly directly to Xi’an and deliver it personally to Enlai. Absolute secrecy must be maintained; if there is any leak, we will bear full responsibility. The stationing of a portion of troops in southern Shaanxi is truly necessitated by practical circumstances, and we earnestly request Mr. Chiang’s consent.

(C) We have ordered the Western Route Army to halt for two days near Gansu. Please ask Chiang to promptly instruct Ma’s army[2] to withdraw from Ganzhou and Suzhou, so that the eastward advance can be stopped.

Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai
Youwu

[1] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai to Pan Hannian.
[2] Refers to the army of Ma Bufang.