To Avoid Hasty Engagements, Complete Preparations for Large-Scale Fighting Before the End of July[1]
(June 28, 1946)

Liu, Deng; Chen, Shu; and inform Deng, Zhang[2]:

(1) In their telegram, Chen and Shu have requested that unified command be exercised by Liu and Deng. The Central Committee deems this extremely necessary. To achieve the aim of unified steps and vanquishing the enemy with resolute effect, Liu and Deng are requested to assume this duty forthwith. (2) We must wait until negotiations break down and the Guomindang strikes us with its hand, only then can we strike him, so as to secure the position of having right on our side. (3) In accordance with the suggestion of Chen and Shu, and in order to make ample preparations and avoid hasty engagements, the preparation period is to be extended to wujia [July 15], and if necessary extended to wusanshi [July 30], but at the very latest it must not go beyond wusanshi. (4) It is hoped that Liu, Deng and Chen, Shu will directly consult and decide on all matters.

Central Committee

jianhai [23:00–01:00, June 28]

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Liu Bocheng, Commander of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Military Region, and Deng Xiaoping, its Political Commissar; and to Chen Yi, Commander of the New Fourth Army and concurrently Commander of the Shandong Military Region, and Shu Tong, Director of its Political Department.

[2] Deng and Zhang refer to Deng Zihui and Zhang Dingcheng, who were then respectively Political Commissar and Commander of the Central China Military Region.