ABSTRACT
Whenever about to engage an enemy in battle, first dispatch some emissaries to discuss a peace treaty. Even though the enemy assents to the talks, the way you each understand the language of the proposals is invariably not the same. Then, relying upon their indolence and laxity, select elite troops and suddenly strike them, for their army can be destroyed. A tactical principle from the Art of War states: "One who seeks peace without setting any prior conditions is executing a stratagem."
