To Li Xiannian and Others[1]

(October 24, 1942)

Li Zongren’s telegram of the 16th[2] orders that war zone, beginning tomorrow the 25th, to thoroughly clear out our army within a two-month deadline (its disposition to be notified separately). Under these circumstances, you may, on the principle of self-defense and survival, carry out armed counter-friction, but the general policy should still be implemented in accordance with the directive of the 6th (strive for unity through struggle).

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Wang Jiaxiang, and Ye Jianying to Li Xiannian, Ren Zhibin, Chen Shaomin, with copies to Chen Yi, Rao Shushi, and Lai Chuanzhu.

[2] Telegram of the 16th, i.e., the 16th day of the month.