September 4, 1940 • No. 11.6 The reply telegraph to the “Hao” telegram has been drafted. It begins by acknowledging receipt of the “Hao” telegram and states that, given the gravity of the situation at this critical juncture in the nation’s crisis, and in order to safeguard the overall interests and avert disaster, after repeated consultations between De and others via telegraph, a unanimous agreement has been reached. This is hereby submitted for your review and approval, with a request that it be forwarded to the Supreme Commander for consideration and instructions, which will be strictly followed.

The body is divided into five sections: (A) Concerning those engaged in combat; (B) Concerning those responsible for defense zones; (C) Concerning organizational structure; (D) Concerning supply; and (E) Concerning the grand strategy of united resistance.

In Section A, it is explained that our army has consistently regarded adherence to national policy, obedience to orders, and steadfast resistance as its sole mission, and a brief account of past experiences is provided. It is further noted that certain units have indeed been involved in friction with other forces, as referred to in your esteemed telegram—this is an undeniable fact, deeply regrettable to relate. The causes underlying these incidents and the measures taken to resolve them have been repeatedly brought to your attention. With regard to the recent incident in northern Jiangsu, a detailed report was already sent via the Ma telegram; as for the incident in southern Shandong, the reasons are complex and warrant close scrutiny. Apart from issuing orders to all units to comply strictly with your directives and restrain their actions, we respectfully request that an investigative team be dispatched to conduct a thorough inquiry.

In Section B, it is briefly stated that the central leadership’s intent must be obeyed, yet the legitimate difficulties faced by subordinates should also be conveyed upward. Most units in central China were originally formed by local people to defend their homelands, and persuading them to move far away has proven exceedingly difficult. Therefore, we humbly request that Enlai forward our plea to the central authorities: might it be possible to relocate the main forces northward while leaving the local units in place? Although we have now received your telegraphic instruction setting a deadline for relocation, we earnestly appeal to the central leadership to strike a balance between enforcing the order and accommodating public sentiment. Beyond the existing main force, we have painstakingly sought to persuade the more concentrated local units to comply with the directive and move north; however, we again request an extension of the deadline to ensure that such persuasion can take effect without provoking unintended consequences.

In Section C, the necessity for expanding the force behind enemy lines is explained, but with a current strength of half a million men supported by funds sufficient to pay only forty-five thousand, even the most resourceful quartermaster would find it impossible to provide adequately. Accordingly, we are compelled to petition for an enlargement of the establishment. The central authorities have already acknowledged this reality and included provisions for expansion in their proposed plan; we simply urge its prompt implementation to stabilize troop morale.

In Section D, it is briefly recounted that for fourteen consecutive months our troops have received neither ammunition nor medical supplies, and a request is made for immediate replenishment.

Finally, in Section E, it is pointed out that the Pacific theater is rapidly approaching a decisive phase, presenting a rare opportunity for victory in the War of Resistance. However, we are gravely concerned by Japan’s attempts at inducement and Germany’s calls for peace, while certain elements within the country are once again inciting an anti-Communist campaign to clear the way for surrender. These internal and external forces are colluding to bring the war to a premature close under the guise of a Sino-Japanese joint campaign against the Communists. We, who have pledged our lives on the battlefield, stand ready to face ten thousand deaths if it serves the nation’s interests; yet we earnestly hope for unity in the resistance so as not to invite the calamity of surrender and division. We therefore request that these views be relayed and adopted.

Please advise us promptly of any comments or suggestions, so that we may make the necessary revisions and dispatch the telegram within the day.