Reply to Liu Shaoqi’s Telegram[1]

(October 11, 1941)

Telegram received. (1) Coming to Yan’an immediately would be disadvantageous to the current work, so it is naturally advisable to postpone it. (2) The Seventh Congress will probably still need to wait about half a year before it convenes; we earnestly hope you can attend the congress. Please consult with Comrades Chen and Yao[2] on whether you can help them resolve some problems within two or three months, and then set out for Yan’an two or three months later to participate in the Seventh Congress. After the Seventh Congress, you can recuperate in Yan’an, that is, direct the affairs of Central China from Yan’an. (3) Judging from the overall domestic and international situation, Chiang and the Kuomintang will not capitulate, nor is it possible for them to launch a large-scale “suppression of the Communists.” Our army in Central China is mainly engaged in dispersed operations against the enemy and puppets. Your coming to Yan’an to direct Central China would seem unlikely to cause great loss to the work in Central China, while the recuperation of your health would bring great benefit. The above is for your consideration; please inform us of your views.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s reply to Liu Shaoqi’s telegram.

[2] Chen and Yao refer to Chen Yi and Rao Shushi (Xiao Yao).