To Lin Biao and Others[1]

(February 3, 1936)

(A) According to a report from the county Soviet, the river ice has receded as far as Longwangcha; we are determined to cross the river from the upper reaches. (B) The two armies and the units directly under the Front Army shall each assemble at their original positions and await orders. (C) We will lead the radio station to set out for reconnaissance. Zuo Quan shall immediately lead reconnaissance personnel to take the middle road west of the Yan River and east of the two cities of Yanchang and Yanchuan, and covertly follow toward Mahuiping north of Laowa Pass for reconnaissance.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram sent by Mao Zedong and Peng Dehuai at 14:00 on February 3 to Lin Biao, Nie Rongzhen, Zuo Quan, Xu Haidong, and Cheng Zihua, with a copy to Zhou Enlai.