Comrades Xiang Ying and Chen Yi:

1. We agree that the army headquarters, the rear organs, and the main force in
southern Anhui should be moved to southern Jiangsu. We ask only that you take
note that the forces in southern Anhui should not be too weak. Moreover, a light
and easily movable command center should be established to facilitate holding
and expanding the positions in southern Anhui.
2. The main direction of expansion of the main force of the New Fourth Army's
First, Second, and Third Detachments is not areas near the Central Forces, such as
Liyang, Lishui, Langxi, or Guangde, but the broad areas of several dozen xian in
the rear of the enemy in southern and northern Jiangsu extending to the sea, and
particularly the area to the north of the Yangzi. Please deploy your forces, allocate
commanders, and locate your command centers, in accordance with this orientation. You should deploy only a part of your forces and the personnel of your
organs in the area of Langxi, Guangde, Liyang, and Lishui. Also, it is necessary to
seize political power in that area at an appropriate time.
3. Control the majority of ferry points in the area between Wusongkou and
Zhenjiang, between Zhenjiang and Nanjing, and along the south and north shores
of the river to the west of Wuhu. Mobilize the masses to set up political power.
Establish local guerrilla forces. Be sure not to let the enemy sever communications
across the river. You should entrust the Fourth and Fifth Detachments with the task
of restoring Wuwei xian.
4. Quickly order Ye Fei to expand his forces and set up political power on the
north shore of the river, ignoring the opposition of Gu Zhutong, Han Deqin, and Li
Mingyang.

Central Secretariat