To Wang Zhen[1]

(October 17, 1945)

Under the leadership of Wang and Wang,[2] the Southern Detachment overcame the immense difficulties arising from the sudden turn of events, successfully crossed the Yangtze River northward, and preserved its basic strength. The Central Committee extends its deepest solicitude to all commanders and fighters. At present, the Fifth Division and Wang and Dai[3] are in a relatively difficult situation. Since the Southern Detachment has now been incorporated into the field army sequence of the Fifth Division, it is hoped that, under the leadership of Zheng and Li,[4] it will assist the Fifth Division and Wang and Dai in striving to win one or several campaigns. The future operations of the Southern Detachment shall be considered in conjunction with the overall operations of the Fifth Division and Wang and Dai. At present, the victorious operations of our army in Hubei and Henan are of great assistance in the struggle for victory in North China and the Northeast.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to Wang Zhen.
[2] The Southern Detachment refers to the Southward Detachment. Wang and Wang refer to Wang Zhen and Wang Shoudao. In early October, this unit returned northward to the Dawu Mountain area and joined forces with the Fifth Division of the New Fourth Army.
[3] Wang and Dai refer to Wang Shusheng and Dai Jiying.
[4] Zheng and Li refer to Zheng Weisan and Li Xiannian.