Reply to Li Xiannian, Ren Zhibin, and Chen Shaomin

(October 6, 1942)

When the diehard troops continue their attacks, we must resolutely strike back in order to survive; after achieving victory, we should express willingness to restore peace with them in the hope of bringing about an improvement. It is expected that this principle will be implemented.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Wang Jiaxiang, and Ye Jianying in reply to Li Xiannian, Ren Zhibin, and Chen Shaomin. Ren Zhibin was then serving as acting political commissar of the Fifth Division of the New Fourth Army. Chen Shaomin was then serving as acting secretary of the CPC Henan-Hubei Border Region Committee.