Xiao, Chen, Tang, Xie, Pan; also Liu, Li, Zhang; the Central Plains Bureau; Deng, Rao, Chen:

(1) We have agreed with Liu Zhongrong, Bai Chongxi’s representative, that our troops shall temporarily refrain from entering or occupying the line from Huanggang, Yangluo, Cangzipu, Huangpi, Huayuan, Xiaogan, Hanchuan, Caidian, and Huanglingji and the areas south of it, so that Wuhan will not be shaken, and major merchants and prominent gentry will not flee. When our troops later enter and occupy this line and the Wuhan area, peaceful takeover methods shall be adopted to avoid destruction. On this point, Xiao and Chen are expected to notify their subordinate units, and the Central Plains Bureau is expected to notify the three regions of Tongbai, Jianghan, and Eyu to act uniformly in accordance. As for the key locations on the north bank of the Yangtze River along the line from Yichang to Wuxue, wherever our troops have already occupied, the status quo shall be maintained; wherever our troops have not yet occupied, all shall temporarily refrain from advancing, so as to facilitate a peaceful takeover. Xiao and Chen may also attempt to establish tentative contact with the responsible persons of Bai’s forces in the Huayuan area and report the situation by telegram. (2) Li Zongren’s representative Huang Qihan returned from Beiping to Nanjing yesterday, the 3rd. In addition to conveying the above intentions, he also communicated our permission for the Guangxi forces in the Anqing area to withdraw toward Nanjing or toward Wuhan. Liu, Li, and Zhang are requested to immediately make arrangements for their withdrawal and to order the frontline to send personnel to attempt contact with the defending troops. (3) In summary, our side should, in accordance with the policy of allying with the Guangxi clique to oppose Chiang Kai-shek, begin to take concrete steps to change the relationship from one of hostility to one of friendship. The same applies to Zhang Zhen. Report on the implementation.

Military Commission
Mao Zhi