Reply to Zhou Enlai’s Telegram[1]

(November 14, 1940)

In accordance with the political stance adopted in the Central Committee’s directive of the 7th[2] and the “Jia Telegram” from Zhu, Peng, Ye, and Xiang, militarily we shall also adopt a completely self-defensive defensive war and strive to avoid the outbreak of a major conflict.

Orders have been given to adopt a policy in northern Jiangsu of drawing Han over; Han must not be dealt with unless absolutely necessary, in coordination and consistency with the activities in Chongqing.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s reply to Zhou Enlai’s telegram.
[2] Refers to the directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on opposing capitulation and saving the current situation, dated November 7, 1940.