To Zhou Enlai on the Need to Adopt an
Antagonistic Attitude Toward
Chiang Kaishek, and Not to Fear a Breakup

(January 25, 1941)

Now that they have declared us mutinous, we must no longer adopt a hesitant
attitude. We must absolutely not tolerate any more, and we must not fear a breakup,
or else we will commit serious mistakes. Consequently, the whole of the orders as
well as the statement made from Yan'an, including the wording, are completely
correct.¹ Now that we have clarified our position, it is left to Chiang Kaishek to
cope with the situation. He will either comply with our twelve articles, so that the
two parties can once again come to a compromise, or bring about an overall split.
You should make it known to all parties concerned that Chiang Kaishek has pushed
us into an antagonistic position. Unless Chiang Kaishek cancels his order of the
17th and takes other necessary measures, we will have no alternative but to stand
in opposition to him, for we are left with no other way. You should hurry back to
Yan'an. The remaining is detailed instructions from the Secretariat.

Our source for this text is Mao Zedong ji. Bujuan, vol. 6, p. 293, where it is reproduced
from Wannan shibian.

Our source for this dispatch is Mao Zedong ji. Bujuan, Vol. 6, p. 295, where it is reproduced
from Wannan shibian.
1. The reference is to the texts of January 20 translated above.