Chen and Li [2]: According to intelligence, Chen Daqing’s 97th Army in Lincheng [3] is tasked with protecting the railway, and it appears that no major reinforcing forces will arrive within the next few days.


However, the Zou and Teng areas are vital territory that Chiang Kai-shek will certainly strive to hold; he will undoubtedly commit additional troops to advance northward. Given that our main force is already positioned in this region, it is entirely necessary for us to prepare to fight a large-scale annihilation battle.


The Bohai Military Region has seized two sections of railway north and south of Dezhou, captured Huangheyazi and En County [5], and destroyed a portion of the enemy and puppet forces, which carries great strategic significance.


It is requested that this military region be instructed to expand its control over the railway lines, mobilize the local population to undertake both public and private efforts to undermine and destroy the railway embankments, and concentrate its main efforts on annihilating Huo Shouyi’s 12th Army [6].


This army seems eager to move to Northeast China, and under no circumstances should it be allowed to pass through.


To this end, please consider reinforcing the forces in this sector and strengthening operational guidance.


Printed from Mao Zedong’s handwritten draft, according to the Youshi edition of the Central Military Commission.


Notes: [1] Zou and Teng refer to Zou County and Teng County in Shandong Province.


[2] Chen refers to Chen Yi, who at the time served as Commander-in-Chief of the New Fourth Army and Commander of the Shandong Military Region.
Li refers to Li Yu, who at the time was Deputy Political Commissar of the Shandong Military Region.


[3] Lincheng is now Xuecheng District of Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province.


[4] Chen Daqing (1905–1973), native of Chongyang County, Jiangxi Province, served at the time as Commander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Army’s 19th Group Army.


[5] En County was abolished in 1956, with its former administrative area divided among Pingyuan, Xiajin, and Wucheng counties in Shandong Province.


[6] Huo Shouyi was then the commander of the Nationalist Army’s 12th Army.