Letter to Xiao San
(January 29, 1941)
Comrade Xiao San:
I have read the poems, and find them very interesting. Since the newspaper won't
print them, issue them on the street corners instead. I hope you'll come have a chat
with me when you have the time. Salutations!
I'm returning the originals to you herewith.

Mao Zedong

Dispatch to Zhou Enlai Regarding
Circumstances in the Development of the
Current Situation
(January 30, 1941)

1. There is no difference in principle between the Central Committee speech
and the Military Commission speech, except that the Central Committee speech,
delivered on the 18th, mainly explained only the Southern Anhui Incident, whereas
the Military Commission order and speech, delivered on the 20th, raised the overall issues and indicated sharply that it was in opposition to the order and the speech
of the Chongqing Military Commission. If you feel there is no harm in issuing
both talks in Chongqing, then go ahead and issue both; otherwise, it is all right to
issue only the Military Commission order and talk.
2. There still could be a period of transition between the beginning of a breakup
and a complete split, the speed and duration of which depend upon various conditions both at home and abroad. Our orientation is not to spur it on, but we must be
prepared for its happening fast. Before Chiang declares a complete split, a small
number of staff members should remain in our administrative office to handle day-to-day affairs. For this reason, it may yet last a considerable length of time. The
idea of [X][X][X] to prolong the time is correct. The fact is that we cannot dispatch troops until after six months at the earliest; at present we can wage only a
defensive battle.
3. It would be very disadvantageous for the Soviet Union to supply any more
arms to Chongqing. Please ask the military attaché to find a way to stop it.
4. According to a United Press broadcast, the Japanese army has occupied
Miyang and is likely to attack Nanyang. Tang Enbo has withdrawn the troops from
Xincai and concentrated them in Shangcai in preparation against the enemy.
5. According to news from Xi'an, Hu Zongnan has promised to send a telegram
to Tongguan telling them to release Li Hua and more than twenty others. We shall
see what happens.
6. The border regions are stepping up military and economic preparations.
7. So long as the Guomindang has not declared a complete split, we will not
cut off all dealings with them. With regard to relations between the two parties,

This letter was first published in *Wenxian he yanjiu*, 1982, no. 1, p. 3. We have translated it
from *Mao Zedong ji. Bujuan*, Vol. 9, p. 385, where the text is reproduced.

Our source for this text is *Mao Zedong ji. Bujuan*, Vol. 6, pp. 303-4, where it is reproduced
from *Wannan shibian*.


however, we must insist on our twelve conditions and not discuss further any
other issues (such as moving north, expanding the army, border areas, and so on).
8. In his talk on the 27th, Chiang moved over to a protective (or defensive)
posture. This makes clear that all parties are dissatisfied, and he is beginning to be
troubled by a guilty conscience. It has been decided today that I shall make a
speech opposing him.

To Mao Anying and Mao Anqing
(January 31, 1941)

Anying and Anqing, my sons:

It was a long while ago that I received a long letter from Anying, a letter from
Anqing, a photo album from Anying, and some scattered photos; in a word, several letters and photos. I am very sorry that I have not replied to any of this; I know
you have been anxiously expecting to hear from me.

I am very pleased that you have made progress. Anying's writing is coherent
and flawless in syntax, and the handwriting is pretty good too. To have the will to
improve is a very good thing. There is just one thing on which I would like to make
a suggestion to you both, which is that, while you are still young, you study more
of the natural sciences and concern yourselves less with politics. Politics should be
given some attention, but at present it is advisable to concentrate on natural sciences as your major subject and supplement this with the social sciences. In the
future you may reverse this and make the social sciences primary and the natural
sciences secondary. In sum, pay attention to science, as science is the only true
knowledge and can be put to infinite use in the future. There is one thing good
about other people's complimenting and praising you, which is that it spurs you on
to make progress. But it has one disadvantage as well, which is that you can easily
become conceited, dizzy with success, and complacent, so there is the danger of
forgetting to plant your feet on the ground and to be realistic. You will have your
own future, be it good or bad, which will depend upon you yourselves and your
direct environment. I do not wish to interfere in your affairs. My opinions are
meant only as suggestions; it is for you yourselves to deliberate and make your
own decisions. In other words, I love you and hope that you do better and better.

Anying asked me to write some poetry. I can't come up with anything because
I'm not in any sort of poetic mood. As for sending books, the year before last I had
my old comrade from Xi'an, Lin Boqu, send a whole pile of books to your youth
group. I hear they failed to reach you, and this is really a pity. I have selected a few
more to send you this time; you'll have to wait for a bigger batch.

Our source for this letter is Mao Zedong shuxin xuanji, pp. 166-67, where it is printed from
the manuscript.