To Zhou Enlai and Others[1]

(March 27, 1937)

A. The situation of the Western Route Army is extremely critical. Neither advancing eastward nor westward is possible for them, and they are in danger of being wiped out.

B. To the Two Ma's, not only one hundred thousand, but even two hundred thousand or more can be given, and indeed must be given.

C. This matter must be settled at the fastest possible speed, preferably within twenty days.

D. Conditions: The Western Route Army is to cross to the right bank of the Yellow River; we request the Two Ma's not to obstruct or pursue with hostile intent. If the Two Ma's agree to the Western Route Army advancing westward, then the Western Route Army may halt west of Suzhou and will not move eastward in the future.

E. It is necessary to enlighten the Two Ma's on the great principle of peace, and tell them that making peace with us will bring them immense benefits in the future.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, together with Luofu (Zhang Wentian), Bogu (Qin Bangxian), Zhu De, and Zhang Guotao, to Zhou Enlai, with information to Peng Dehuai and Ren Bishi, concerning the rescue of the Western Route Army from its perilous situation.