To Liu Bocheng, Deng Xiaoping, and Bo Yibo[1]

(June 19, 1946)

From Zheng and Li of the Central Plains, a telegram reports they are preparing to cross the river between Yuanqu and Jiyuan. Please prepare boats and arrange reception and escort. Please assess the possible conditions for Zheng’s and Li’s units to cross the river at that location.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Liu Bocheng, Deng Xiaoping, and Bo Yibo. On the 21st, Liu, Deng, and Bo telegraphed the Central Committee: It is very difficult for troops on the northern bank to enter and operate on the southern bank; therefore, sending forces across the river for reception and escort is truly difficult. The Fifth Division must take responsibility for this on its own; we can assume full responsibility for the northern bank of the Yellow River. At the same time, after the Fifth Division breaks through the encirclement, it will be closely pursued by a large enemy force and will inevitably encounter strong blocking actions along the Longhai Line, and we are unable to provide direct coordination. If they take a direct route, it may be difficult to achieve the objective of crossing the river; this point should probably be taken into consideration.