(October 6, 1937)¹

He [Long], Xiao [Ke]:

Since Wang Zhaoxiang's troops are being used in northwestern Shanxi, we have
the following suggestions regarding the arrangements for the work:
1. We estimate that, after the enemy has penetrated in depth, his forces in the
rear can only defend major strongholds in order to maintain their communications
lines.
2. Consequently, conditions will be advantageous for us to launch an extensive
guerrilla movement in Pianguan, Suxian, Pinglu, Zuoyun, and Youyu, as well as
the Qingshuihe area in Suiyuan. We can cooperate flexibly with our main forces
in the south, and with Song [Shilun]'s² detachment to the east of Pinglu and, if
necessary, cooperate with the operations of the friendly armies. Therefore, in accordance with the current tasks, as regards deployment, you should first launch a
guerrilla movement in the Pinglu, Pianguan, Suxian, Zuoyun, Youyu, Qingshuihe,
Hequ, Baode, and Kelan area and create anti-Japanese base areas. You should rely
on Shenchi, Ningwu, Hequ, Baode, and Kelan as the mass basis and shield the
work of those who are involved in this task. The remaining guerrilla forces should
appear in the guise of the volunteer army. Second, in the Qingshuihe area in Suiyuan,
the main task is to recruit the guerrilla and volunteer armies. Third, under the
guerrilla units, a few small guerrilla groups can be organized.
3. In the same way, we and Song's detachment would recruit guerrillas in the
area to the east of Pinglu and west of Daiyue, and connect these regions as one.
First, use Pianguan as the rear for the time being, and the fixed leadership organ of
the work team should be stationed there. You should select one platoon of soldiers
from our forces as the backbone and organize a guerrilla detachment in the Pianguan
region. Second, organize guerrilla detachments in Pinglu and Suxian, but every

guerrilla unit must have at least one platoon of soldiers from our forces as the
backbone. Only in this way can the guerrilla detachments be formed. Since the
masses in Shanxi do not have the experience of armed struggle, it will be very
difficult if we do not send armed forces as the backbone.

Mao Zedong

Our source for this text is Mao Zedong junshi wenji, Vol. 2, pp. 74-75.

--- Notes

1. It is indicated by a conventional character that this telegram was sent between 5:00
and 7:00 P.M.

2. Song Shilun (1907-1991), a native of Hunan, was at this time the commander and
political commissar of a detachment of the 358th Brigade of the 120th Division of the
Eighth Route Army.