Regarding the Issue of Dealing with Han Deqin’s Troops

A Telegram to Liu Shaoqi and Others

(April 15, 1940)

Liu and Xiang:

In order to deal with Han Deqin’s troops, the Peng-Wu[1] Detachment of the 115th Division may coordinate with Comrade Liu Shaoqi’s side to launch a pincer attack on Han’s troops. Han is Gu Zhutong’s sole direct-line subordinate. After being struck by us, Gu may possibly adopt oppressive measures against the New Fourth Army in Southern Anhui and Jiangnan. It is hoped that Xiang Ying will prepare countermeasures. However, we must absolutely not strike first and should adhere to the principle of self-defense. Zuo Quan and Huang Kecheng, leading the 344th Brigade of the 115th Division, have already set out from the Taihang Mountains and will arrive at the Hebei-Shandong border within a few days. They can be transferred at any time to the south of the Longhai Railway to coordinate in combat with Peng Xuefeng.

Mao and Wang

April 15