To Ye Ting, Xiang Ying, and Others[1]

(October 13, 1940)

In order to deal with the Japanese aggressors’ attacks and to consolidate domestic unity, the friction in Central China should, after Han’s offensive has failed, be temporarily eased somewhat by adopting a policy of complete self-defense. After Han’s defeat in northern Jiangsu, we should intensify local work, establish anti-Japanese democratic political power, and expand, reorganize, and train our own troops. We should not launch offensives against Han; rather, when Han attacks us again, we should counterattack and smash him in each instance. Otherwise, it would hinder our united front work in Chongqing. However, Hufu’s suggestion to control the strategic area around Funing south of the old Yellow River is necessary and may be carried out. With regard to Li Pinxian, we must strive for reconciliation, as this bears on our overall relations with him.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Wang Jiaxiang to Ye Ting, Xiang Ying, Liu Shaoqi, and Chen Yi concerning the working principles in Central China after Han Deqin’s offensive had failed.