Telegram to Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu [1]
(January 29, 1937)

Chiang Kai-shek has ordered Hu Zongnan to bypass heavily fortified positions and press toward Xi’an, having already reached the Jingning-Huining area.

Judging from Chiang’s intentions, he still seeks to resolve the issue without war through military intimidation. Since a frontal advance is difficult, he is advancing from both Tianshui and Hanzhong to threaten Xi’an. This suggests there is still a considerable amount of time, which can be used to facilitate negotiations and persuade the left wing.

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

On the Decision to Abandon the Demand for Stationing Troops in Southern Shaanxi