Autograph (or possibly scribal) Letter, 3 pp, 4to, Nanjing, [September-early December, 1936], to Chiang Kai-shek, on blue stationery, regarding ongoing negotiations with the Japanese, creasing at folds, very mild toning; with original transmittal envelope marked in character "Confidential Document," small cut at flap, light thumbing.

Zhang Qun [1889-1990] served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of China from 1935-1937. Zhang reports to Chiang that he has had a telegram from China's ambassador to Japan, Xu Shiying [1873-1964], who has reported that the Japanese were ready to return to negotiations. They were, however, worried about Zhang Xueliang falling under the influence of anti-Japanese forces. Xu also reported that the Japanese were worried about the rise of anti-Japanese incidents, and were insisting that Chiang show his determination to gain control over the anti-Japanese forces. The letter closes with Zhang Qun worrying that this seemed to be a final warning from the Japanese government.
This letter to Chiang Kai-shek made its way to Zhang Xueliang's hands, though it is not known whether Chiang showed it himself or it was intercepted. Either way, it would have shown Zhang that Chiang was far more likely to negotiate with the Japanese than with the Communists.