Telegram to Zhou Zijian[1]

(July 3, 1943)

After the 53rd Division of Hu’s troops arrived at Luochuan to take over defense duties from Ma Lu, a portion has already intruded into the border region, constructing fortifications, and appears to have the intention of gradual encroachment. We hereby telegraph the circumstances on the three fronts of Fu-Gan[2], Longdong, and Guanzhong. Please approach Hu in the vicinity to lodge representations and demand withdrawal from the encroached areas.

For several months, according to repeated intelligence reports from Xi’an, Chiang has sternly ordered Hu Zongnan to prepare for an attack on the border region. On siqiao[3], Hu went to Luochuan to convene a meeting of military officers and deploy military operations. Please investigate this matter in Xi’an and discuss with Hu the harm that military conflict would do to the unity of the War of Resistance.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram to Zhou Zijian to be relayed to Zhou Enlai and Lin Biao.
[2] Fu and Gan refer to Fuxian and Ganquan.
[3] Siqiao, i.e., June 18.