Deployment of the 120th Division in Northwestern Shanxi

(October 27, 1937)

Zhu and Peng[1]:

A. It appears that the Soviet Far Eastern Army is making some show of force toward the Japanese in Manchuria, and there are unconfirmed reports that a portion of the Japanese forces in North China has moved beyond the passes and a portion has returned home. Do not disseminate this, lest it give rise to an underestimation of the enemy.

B. Since the main force of our right wing is already concentrated along the Zhengding–Taiyuan Railway[2], if it fights well it should be able to effectively check the enemy’s advance. I previously proposed that the main force of the 120th Division move north but have not yet received a reply; I still hope you will consider it. My view is to leave only one regiment west of Yuanping. Of the two main regiments, position the entire Song Regiment[3] in the area from Datong, Huairen, Daiyue, Zuoyun, and Youyu to Pinglu, dividing it into several detachments, with the main force raiding along the railway line and a part opening up work on the western side. Position the other regiment in the area of Shanyin, Yanmen Pass[4], and Shuoxian, with the main force raiding the railway and a part opening up work in Shuoxian. The objective is to ensure the cutting of the main transport route while also being able to develop work on the northern side.

C. Wang Zhaoxiang’s unit[5] shall for the time being remain in place and await orders. If the 86th Division[6] does not encroach upon the Shenfu Soviet Area and

[1] Zhu and Peng refers to Zhu De and Peng Dehuai.
[2] Zhengding–Taiyuan Railway refers to the railway from Zhengding to Taiyuan, i.e., the present-day Shijiazhuang–Taiyuan line.
[3] Song Regiment refers to the 716th Regiment, 358th Brigade, 120th Division, Eighth Route Army, whose regiment commander was Song Shilun. At this time, Song Shilun had already been reassigned as commander and concurrently political commissar of the Yanbei Detachment, which was formed on the basis of the regiment’s 2nd Battalion.
[4] Shanyin is a county located in northern Shanxi Province, beyond Yanmen Pass on the Inner Great Wall. Yanmen Pass is located in the northern part of Dai County, Shanxi, and is one of the main passes of the Great Wall.
[5] Wang Zhaoxiang’s unit refers to the Engineer Battalion of the 120th Division, Eighth Route Army, whose battalion commander was Wang Zhaoxiang.
[6] 86th Division refers to the 86th Division of the Kuomintang Army, whose division commander was Gao Shuangcheng.

the interaction is effective, then that division need not return; let it replenish and reorganize in Shanxi. If the negotiations are ineffective, then telegraph to order its transfer back.

Mao Zedong

27th