Negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek on the Route for the New Fourth Army’s Northward Movement[1]

(December 25, 1940)

Zhou and Ye:

According to Xiang Ying: “Gu Zhutong has suddenly ordered the New Fourth Army to change its route and cross the river via Fanchang and Tongling, while Li Pinxian is deploying defenses and blocking us north of the river. The diehard troops in southern Anhui are also covertly encircling us and obstructing our communications. On the southern bank we must pass through the enemy’s blockade lines, and in the river we must evade attacks by enemy boats. Without sufficient time to cross covertly in separate batches, it will be impossible to cross, and we will face the dilemma of being unable to advance or retreat.” Please urgently negotiate the following points with Chiang and report the results promptly:

(1) The northward movement must proceed via two routes: southern Jiangsu, and Fanchang and Tongling.

(2) A period of two months is required, with intermittent covert crossings in separate batches.

(3) The troops in southern Anhui must not be encircled, and communications must not be obstructed.

(4) The troops in northern Anhui shall withdraw from the four counties of Chaoxian, Wuwei, Hexian, and Hanshan, and Zhang Yunyi shall dispatch units to take over the defense and cover the river crossing.

(5) Guarantee against attacks by Li Pinxian.

(6) Ammunition and mobilization funds shall be issued promptly.

Mao and Zhu

December 25

[1] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong and Zhu De to Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying concerning negotiations with Chiang Kai-shek on the route for the northward movement.