1. Intelligence indicates that the Zhou Column’s Xiao and Xie divisions, comprising a total of seven regiments, are likely to advance from Changganshan toward Fengxiangba and Bailakan tomorrow (the 6th). Meanwhile, the Wan division’s six regiments appear poised to move toward Changganshan, while the Qian enemy force under He Zhichong, consisting of three regiments, will advance from Shikeng’ao Pass toward Daheshui.

2. Our forces have the primary mission of first annihilating the Xiao and Xie divisions. Tomorrow’s (the 6th) deployment is as follows:   A. The First Corps and the Cadre Regiment will form the Right Column. At dawn tomorrow they are to strike via Huamiaotian between Changganshan and Fengxiangba. The First Division should bypass to the Dailiushui–Licun area to launch a surprise attack on the enemy’s rear, while the 11th Division will deliver a flanking blow against the enemy in the Qingkeng area. The Cadre Regiment will follow the 11th Division and come under the command of Lin and Nie.   B. The Third Corps will serve as the Left Column. Its main body of three regiments is to outflank Mount Wen Shui by way of Wen Shuigou, rounding the western end of the mountain to attack Dailiushui, Qingkeng, and Yangmashui from south to north. One regiment is to hold the front at Jiulongshan and Bailakan to draw the enemy eastward. The Third Corps is also to dispatch a small detachment south of Taipingchang to deceive and pin down He’s forces.   C. The Fifth Corps will function as the general reserve and advance to positions near Bailakan, standing by for orders.

3. Tomorrow (the 6th), all corps must deliver a vigorous assault to destroy the Xiao and Xie divisions, so that operations against the Wan division can be continued on the 7th.

4. The main rear area is located in the Yaxi–Huamiaotian–Zunyi region.

5. The Front Command Post will advance with the First Corps Command Post, to Liulakan.

Addendum, December 18: In addition to using radio to report combat conditions at all times, it is hereby prescribed that signal fires be employed as follows: three fires for a major victory, one fire for a minor victory, and one fire in cases of stalemate or adverse developments.

Commander-in-Chief Zhu De, Political Commissar Mao Zedong