To Xiang Ying[1]

(November 1, 1940)

(1) Xiyi and some working personnel must cross the river north to command the large northern river troops. (2) You and the Southern Anhui forces should either move entirely to Southern Jiangsu and then cross the river north, or remain entirely in Southern Anhui and prepare to break out southward when the Kuomintang attacks. One of these two options must be chosen; this point can be determined. (3) If moving to Southern Jiangsu, permission must be obtained from Gu Zhutong; if Gu does not permit it, then the only option is to remain in Southern Anhui (since, according to the telegram, crossing directly to Northern Anhui is already impossible), but preparations must be made to fight a civil war and to suffer political disadvantages (Chiang Kai-shek’s plan to “encircle and suppress” the New Fourth Army is already decided). Awaiting your consideration and telegraphic reply.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to Xiang Ying.