To Li Xiannian and Others[1]

(November 30, 1942)

You are short of cadres, and due to obstructed communications, we are unable to send any. The trend of the War of Resistance is such that the entire army will be greatly reduced in size. You should also prepare to reduce your forces by one-half or one-third in the autumn and winter of next year and the spring and summer of the year after. By that time, with smaller numbers but higher quality, the cadres will be sufficient.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Li Xiannian with copies to Chen Yi and Rao Shushi.