To Zhou Enlai and Others[1]

(December 6, 1940)

In order to cut off Han Deqin and Huo Shouyi, open up a passage between Jiangsu and Anhui, so that Huang Kecheng may reinforce eastern Anhui and smash the offensive of Mo Dehong of the Guangxi army, the New Fourth Army forces in northern Jiangsu must open a breach between Huai’an and Baoying. The various units of the New Fourth Army in northern Jiangsu are now engaged in fierce battle with Han’s troops at Caodian and Anfeng. Han’s troops have already been cut off. As soon as Caodian, Anfeng, Yangnian, Huangpu, Pingqiao, and other places are occupied, this campaign can be concluded. Xinghua, Gaoyou, and other places shall still be left untouched, so as to preserve Han Deqin. Once this breach is opened, the main force of Huang Kecheng can proceed to reinforce eastern Anhui.

This is the main content of the telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Wang Jiaxiang to Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying, with information copies to Ye Ting, Xiang Ying, and Peng Dongquan.