To Zhu De and Others[1]

(October 17, 1937)

After our army's various units have achieved victory, it is easy for arrogance to arise and for the concept of underestimating the enemy to be engendered, while after the enemy has suffered defeat, feelings of resentment toward us will inevitably intensify and a cautious mentality will develop. Therefore, please instruct the leading cadres of all units to still adhere to a spirit of prudence and composure, integrating it with a spirit of valor and vigorous effort, so as to strive for a protracted war with the Japanese bandits.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Zhu De and Peng Dehuai, with information copied to Zhou Enlai.