Telegram to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu[1]

(January 31, 1937)

We and the two units of Zhang and Yang should adopt the policy of advancing together when advancing and retreating together when retreating. Our position has already been expressed to Nanjing, that is, even if fighting occurs, it will not fundamentally obstruct our policy. Whether we win or lose in battle, the result will still be peace talks, but the impact on the two units of Zhang and Yang will be relatively better. Of course, before fighting, we must strive with all our might for Zhang’s return, so as to avoid fighting.

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