To Dong Biwu on Temporarily Stopping the Exposure of the Kuomintang to Show Relaxation

(October 5, 1943)

Dong:

Your telegram of the 2nd has been received.

1. On the 5th, the *Liberation Daily* published a long article commenting on the Eleventh Plenary Session and the Third Session of the Second People’s Political Council. Starting from the 6th, the *Liberation Daily* and the Xinhua News Agency will temporarily stop all articles exposing the Kuomintang, maintaining calm and tranquility to show relaxation. The article on the 5th also pointed out a willingness to resume negotiations between the two parties.

2. From now on, you will be in charge of the negotiations. When meeting with Chiang, in addition to stating the above-mentioned attitude of welcoming a political solution, you should point out the situation as learned in Yan’an: Hu Zongnan has declared that taking Yan’an would be no problem; the 78th Division of the First Army has moved from Weinan to Binzhou; the 36th Army has moved from Gansu southward to the line of Xifeng Town in Pingliang; large-scale construction of airfields is underway in the Yikezhao League; Dong Zhao has gone to Yulin to direct anti-communist operations; the entire Kuomintang army in the Northwest is urgently preparing for war. Yan’an does not believe there is sincerity in a political solution, but it welcomes a political solution and does not wish for a rupture. If cooperation continues, Yan’an guarantees to continue fulfilling the four promises and demands the withdrawal of a certain number of troops.

3. When meeting with Wang Shijie or Shao Lizi, in addition to stating the above-mentioned intentions, you should also say: Civil war and surrender are dead ends; we hope the other side will handle matters wisely. Our Party is prepared to deal with any perilous situation, but first and foremost, we are willing to continue cooperation. Emphasize that Dong Zhao’s presence in Yulin poses a great threat and is the most provocative, and Yan’an cannot but prepare for self-defense.

Mao Zedong