Telegram to Hu Zongnan[1]

(May 19, 1942)

It is reported that your esteemed department is actively mobilizing to attack the Border Region, adopting the method of a surprise assault to capture Yan’an in one stroke, and that this military operation is under the command of Tao Zhiyue[2], with a total force of five armies, etc. This matter is shocking to hear. With a great enemy before us, how can such a thing be tolerated? I venture to send this telegram to inquire, and earnestly request a reply.