To Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu[1]

(January 29, 1937)

Chiang Kai-shek has ordered Hu Zongnan to bypass strongpoints that are difficult to attack and press toward Xi’an, and he has already reached the Jingning-Huining area.

Judging from Chiang’s intentions, he still seeks to resolve the issue without fighting through military threats. Since a frontal advance is not convenient, he is therefore advancing from both the Tianshui and Hanzhong directions to threaten Xi’an. This still allows a considerable amount of time, which is advantageous for negotiations and for persuading the left wing.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu (Qin Bangxian).