Reply to Peng Zexiang[1]

(November 19, 1948)

The two letters dated the 7th and 14th[3] brought by the venerable Mr. Fu[2] have been received and were immediately forwarded to the higher authorities. In my personal opinion, since a certain gentleman[4] is committed to the cause of peace, it is advisable to send a reliable representative to Shijiazhuang for the first step of preliminary contact. I respectfully request that this be conveyed to that certain gentleman.

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[1] This is the main content of a reply telegram to Peng Zexiang drafted by Mao Zedong on behalf of Nie Rongzhen.
[2] Fu, referring to Fu Dingyi.
[3] The 7th and 14th, i.e., the 7th and 14th days of the month.
[4] A certain gentleman, here referring to Fu Zuoyi.