To Zhou Enlai, Bo Gu, and Others[1]

(January 28, 1937)

The units under Luo and Song[2] may move out to Pingliang. The Western Route Army has advanced eastward as far as Shahe Fort in Shandan, but the enemy has concentrated forces to block and prevent further eastward advance. They will maneuver in that area for a period and seize opportunities to destroy the enemy. A victorious battle was fought recently, capturing over two hundred rifles. Please negotiate with Wang Yizhe for the units under Luo and Song to move to the vicinity of Pingliang to provide support, in order to prevent Hu Zongnan’s troops from advancing eastward from Tianshui. After a peaceful resolution is achieved, Luo and Song may move from Pingliang to areas west of Lanzhou to support the Western Route Army.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu (Qin Bangxian), with information copied to Peng Dehuai and Ren Bishi.

[2] Luo refers to Luo Binghui, then commander of the Red 32nd Army. Song refers to Song Shilun, then commander of the Red 28th Army.