Comrade Li San:

(1) A copy of the operational order is enclosed, which will enable you to understand the Red Army’s direction of movement and its tasks.

(2) The guerrilla force of five to six hundred men under the leadership of Yang Sen, Cai Shufan, and Lai Chuanzhu has crossed the river at Hekou and established Yihong Town as its command center. Its tasks are: (1) to maintain communications among Shilou, Yidie, and Hekou; (2) to demolish the riverbank fortifications and eliminate any remaining enemy forces; (3) to launch mass struggles in the areas between Xin Guan, Laowa Guan, Qingshui Guan, and Yidie Town, and to organize local Shanxi guerrilla units; (4) to hold and secure the main river crossings.

(3) Orders have been issued to mobilize three thousand people from Suide, Qingjian, and Yanshui counties to serve as a stretcher-bearer corps, with one thousand to be assembled by the end of this week. However, since the populations of these three counties vary considerably, an equal distribution of this quota would not be appropriate. Mobilization should be based on actual local conditions. First, assemble one thousand personnel; once the situation at the front is assessed, further groups of two or three batches may be called up upon additional orders. The following measures are to be taken: (1) ensure proper organization and capable cadres to lead; (2) establish Party branch organizations; (3) set up food-supply arrangements; (4) provide clothing, blankets, bowls, and chopsticks; (5) stipulate a service period of one and a half months; (6) assign one stretcher for every two men; (7) all personnel are to report to your headquarters at Hekou and await further instructions before being dispatched.

(4) Dai Xiuying is responsible for building twelve additional boats: three of the Magui type, three at Laowa Pass, and six at Hekou (the latter six are to be deployed to suitable crossing points downstream). Please keep in touch.

(5) You are to maintain close contact with the Qingjian County Committee and with all Soviet areas along the riverbank.

(6) Chairman Zhou will arrive at the riverfront within the next few days to take charge. You are to report your work to him and bring the radio transmitter along.

(7) I am advancing from Yidie Town toward Shilou.

Mao Zedong

At Hekou, 12:00 noon, February 21st