Reply to Zhou Enlai’s Telegram[1]

(September 3, 1942)

At present, the issue does not lie in the magnitude of the immediate gains our side may obtain, but rather in seizing this opportune moment in the international situation and the opportunity of Chiang’s invitation for a meeting to go and see Chiang, so as to improve the fundamental relationship between the Guomindang and the Communist Party. If such an improvement can be achieved, it will be an immense gain, and it would be worthwhile even if not a single concrete problem is resolved. If Chiang invites me to Chongqing to attend the October Political Consultative Conference, we should prepare to agree. Chiang has been staying in Lanzhou for half a month and may arrive in Xi’an in the next few days. Lin Biao is prepared to set off immediately after Chiang’s telegram of invitation arrives. As for me, I will decide on the date to go to Xi’an after Lin has departed.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram in reply to Zhou Enlai, reiterating the importance of meeting Chiang Kai-shek in person.