Telegram to Chen Yi and Liu Shaoqi[1]

(May 12, 1941)

After the enemy occupied Zhengzhou, its intentions are unclear. Jiang has ordered He Zhuguo[2] to raid the Longhai Line, harass the enemy’s rear, and also has the intention of guarding against us. In order to reduce Jiang’s fear of us, the troops under Peng and Deng[3] must not cross west of the Jinpu Line and should remain in place without moving; this is essential. Zhang and Luo[4] must also not strike at Li Pinxian.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Wang Jiaxiang, and Ye Jianying to Chen Yi and Liu Shaoqi.

[2] He Zhuguo, then Commander-in-Chief of the 15th Group Army of the Kuomintang forces.

[3] Peng and Deng refer to Peng Xuefeng and Deng Zihui.

[4] Zhang and Luo refer to Zhang Yunyi and Luo Binghui.