Regarding Our Policy of Struggle in the Kuomintang-Communist Cooperation
Directive to Zhou Enlai
(September 8, 1942)

Your telegram of the 19th was read and noted yesterday, and the telegram of the 5th has also been received. The following is my reply:

(1) When Lin Biao meets with Chiang, regarding my meeting with Chiang, it should be stated that I am most willing to meet him, but my health is not very good at present; when my health improves somewhat, I can come out for a meeting, without setting a definite time. If Zhang Wenbai is willing to come to Yan’an, then we should first welcome him to Yan’an for a discussion; this would be more appropriate.

(2) Our cooperation with democratic political groups and local military figures should be subordinated to the Kuomintang-Communist cooperation. Kuomintang-Communist cooperation is primary and decisive in nature; other forms of cooperation are secondary and subordinate in nature. If contradictions arise between the two, the secondary must be subordinated to the primary. This is a fundamental principle and must be upheld.

(3) At present, it seems we are approaching a time when outstanding issues between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party may be resolved and a considerable restoration of amicable relations achieved. Regarding various matters of oppression by the Kuomintang, we should exercise the utmost patience, refrain from lodging protests, in order to seek the resolution of outstanding issues and the restoration of amicable relations. Please pay attention to this.

(4) Our Xi’an Office received notification from the General Office on the 3rd, and on the 4th received notification from the 34th Group Army inviting Lin Biao to proceed there. Arrangements for an aircraft are now being negotiated, and preparations are underway to depart within the next few days.

Mao Zedong