Telegram to Zhao Erlu[1]

(October 31, 1945)

Zhao Erlu:

Yesterday’s telegram ordered you to lead six main-force regiments southward to coordinate with the Taihang troops in annihilating the 16th Army advancing southward from Shijiazhuang. It is presumed you have received it. The situation is extremely urgent. The operations in that area affect the overall situation. You are expected to move out swiftly by separate routes, take the shortest paths, and proceed directly to the vicinity of Lincheng to receive orders from Liu and Deng. Report promptly on how this is to be carried out.

Military Commission

October 31

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee on October 31, 1945, to Zhao Erlu concerning the Ping-Han Campaign. Zhao Erlu was then commander of the Hebei-Shanxi Military Region.