The report from Zhou [Enlai] and Ye [Jianying] reads as follows: "Zhang Chong
conveyed our protest to Chiang yesterday by telephone regarding the encirclement
and attack against the New Fourth Army. Chiang says: '(1) The Center will definitely not create difficulties for the New Fourth Army in its northward move. As to
this instance of conflict, I hear that it was the New Fourth Army that fired the first
shot. (2) We hope that the New Fourth Army will continue its move northward.
(3) If there is no passage there, it is also permissible to move toward northern
Anhui, and Li Pinxian is to be ordered not to create difficulties. (4) I have given
orders that a hundred thousand bullets and soldiers' pay and provisions be provided after the New Fourth Army has crossed the river. (5) Please tell Zhou and
Ye, and ask them to communicate this to the front, that one should not exaggerate
the magnitude of the incident.' We are now writing directly to Chiang to lodge a
protest and to tell him resolutely that, without passing through southern Jiangsu, it
is impossible for the army to cross the river. The Central Committee is requested
to inquire of Ye and Xiang which route they will take to enter southern Jiangsu, so
that more specific representations may be made," and so on. You are hereby specially informed of this matter. Hold firm for a few more days, and there will be a
way out.