Telegram to Dong Biwu[1]

(August 29, 1944)

On August 20, a heavy bomber of the 20th Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces exploded and caught fire over Yancheng and Funing in northern Jiangsu, crashing within the Jianyang Jinjiaqiao base area of the New Fourth Army. The Third Division of the New Fourth Army and local guerrilla forces immediately launched rescue operations. Of the twelve pilots aboard the aircraft, one was killed. We have rescued five and they have arrived at the headquarters of the Third Division. The remaining six are still being searched for. Please convey the above information to the relevant parties without delay.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram to Dong Biwu.