To Lin Biao, Nie Rongzhen and Others[1]

(November 9, 1935)

Lin, Nie, Xu, Cheng:

1. It has been ascertained that Tong Yingbin has ordered his 106th Division to move to Heishui Temple, Longyiwan, Jujiajiao, and Chongjiawan before the 10th to build blockhouses, in order to cover the subsequent eastward advance of his army. There is also talk of occupying the area north and south of these places. It appears that the main force of that army will find it difficult to reach Zhiluo Town within the next one or two days.

2. The dispositions for tomorrow, the 10th, are as follows: (A) The 1st Army Corps will remain in place. (B) Zihua will lead the 75th Division to an area between Taohuabian and Zhangcunyi for concealed assembly. (C) Haidong will command the troops in the Zhangcunyi and Yangquan area to eliminate the local bandit groups in Jincun, Dongcun, Taotong, and Jiuyuan. This task is of great importance for subsequent operations. (D) Haidong will quickly order the independent battalion to mobilize the masses in Zhiluo Town, Heishui Temple, and the surrounding areas to strengthen the defenses and clear the countryside, ensuring that all grain and cooking pots are removed, and will also order the cavalry to rapidly reconnoiter toward Taibai Town. (E) We will remain in place.

Peng, Mao

2000 hours, 9th

[1] This was a telegram sent by Mao Zedong and Peng Dehuai to Lin Biao, Nie Rongzhen, Xu Haidong, and Cheng Zihua.