First Attack Huairen and Other Places, Then Seize Datong When the Opportunity Arises[1]

(June 23, 1946)

He and Li, Nie and Tang:

(1) It is imperative to capture Huairen, Daiyue, Shanyin[2], Ningwu, Yingxian, Fanzhi, Daixian, Guoxian[3], Yuanping, Xinxian, Wutai, and Dingxiang in the very near future, and then seize Datong when the opportunity arises. (2) To carry out this task, approve He and Li’s second plan: draw one brigade from the four main brigades in eastern Sui[4] and deploy it for the above purpose. When moving, pay attention to concealment and leave no trace. (3) Nie and Liu[5] shall immediately dispatch one main brigade with artillery attached to be placed under the command of He and Li to carry out the above task; at the same time, order the local Party, government, and army east of the railway[6] to coordinate their actions, and immediately send personnel to He and Li’s location to receive assignments. (4) To accomplish this task, it is hoped that He and Li will directly liaise with Nie and Liu.

Central Military Commission

23rd

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to He Long, commander of the Jin-Sui Military Region, and Li Jingquan, political commissar; and Nie Rongzhen, commander and political commissar of the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region, and Tang Yanjie, chief of staff.
[2] Daiyue, a town name, now the county seat of Shanyin County, Shanxi. Shanyin refers to Shanyin City, located in the southern part of Shanyin County, Shanxi.
[3] Guoxian, an old county name, abolished in 1958, with parts merged into Ningwu County, Shanxi, and parts merged with Dai County to form Yuanping County, Shanxi.
[4] Sui refers to Suiyuan, an old province name, encompassing the central region of today’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, abolished in 1954.
[5] Nie refers to Nie Rongzhen. Liu refers to Liu Lantao, then deputy political commissar of the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region.
[6] East of the railway refers to the area east of the Datong-Puzhou Railway.