To Peng Dehuai and Others[1]

(December 19, 1940)

(1) According to news from Xi'an, Li Xianzhou's three divisions, now at the border of Anhui and Henan, are preparing to advance eastward to reinforce Han Deqin, with reports of crossing the Huai River and advancing toward Dangshan. Taking all circumstances into account, Jiang and the Guangxi clique are determined to attack Central China. (2) For the purpose of striking at Li Xianzhou, it is hoped that Peng Dehuai and Zuo Quan will order Yang Dezhi to lead his troops southward, and they must arrive in Peng Xuefeng's area within one and a half months. It is hoped that Chen Guang and Luo Ronghuan will order the Fifth Brigade to move south immediately, with no further delay, and they should arrive in Zhang Aiping's area within half a month. It is hoped that Ye and Xiang will lead their troops to cross the river immediately, and the crossing must be completed within two weeks to reinforce eastern Anhui. This is essential.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Wang Jiaxiang to Peng Dehuai, Zuo Quan, Chen Guang, Luo Ronghuan, Ye Ting, and Xiang Ying, with information also sent to Liu Shaoqi and Chen Yi, regarding the military movements of Jiang and the Guangxi clique's forces in Central China and our countermeasures.