To Liu Shaoqi and Chen Yi[1]

(July 30, 1940)

Regarding the strategy in northern Jiangsu, we agree with Comrade Hufu's opinion. When Han Deqin's troops move south to attack us, we should launch a large-scale counteroffensive to drive out or annihilate Han's forces in one stroke and develop northern Jiangsu. It is also pointed out: We agree with Comrade Chen Yi's opinion that we should strengthen united front work with the two Lis[2] and strive to win their sympathy or neutrality; therefore, we should not attack the two Lis' troops at present.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Wang Jiaxiang to Liu Shaoqi and Chen Yi.

[2] The two Lis refer to Li Mingyang and Li Changjiang. Li Changjiang was then serving as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Guerrilla Forces of the Jiangsu-Shandong-Anhui Border Region under the Lusu War Zone of the Kuomintang.