Situation and Tasks After the Breakout of the Central Plains Military Region Troops[1]

(July 5, 1946)

Zheng and Li, and for the information of Wang and Dai, Wang and Zhang[2]:

(1) Chiang Kai-shek, charging Wu Tinglin and Song Ruike[3] with ineffective operations and failure to block our westward advance, has ordered an investigation and prosecution, and stated that this “bandit suppression” campaign bears on the entire war situation and the future of the nation, demanding strenuous efforts in combat. As reflected by the various “bandit suppression” generals, all “bandit suppression” units have failed to fulfill their tasks; our side has suffered very slight losses, while their side has gained nothing. (2) According to a reflection from the 6th Brigade of the Reorganized 75th Division on the afternoon of the 3rd, our Wang-Dai force[4] has reached the vicinity of Pinglinshi[5]; that brigade commander Lin Xixiang is leading his troops northward from Anlu to prepare for pursuit. According to Wu Tinglin, this division began advancing westward from Liulin[6] on the afternoon of the 3rd, but is experiencing grain difficulties;

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee to Zheng Weisan, Acting Secretary of the Central Plains Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and concurrently Political Commissar of the Central Plains Military Region, and Li Xiannian, Commander of the Central Plains Military Region.

[2] Wang and Dai refer to Wang Shusheng and Dai Jiying, then respectively Deputy Commander of the Central Plains Military Region and concurrently Commander of the 1st Column, and Political Commissar of the 1st Column. Wang and Zhang: Wang is unidentified; Zhang refers to Zhang Tixue, then Commander of the Eastern Hubei Military Sub-region.

[3] Wu Tinglin was then Commander of the Reorganized 15th Division of the Kuomintang Army. Song Ruike was then Commander of the Reorganized 66th Division of the Kuomintang Army.

[4] The Wang-Dai force refers to the left-route breakout force of the Central Plains Military Region led by Wang Shusheng. This force was composed of the 1st Column of the Central Plains Military Region (minus the 1st Brigade) and the 15th Brigade of the 2nd Column (minus one regiment). Dai Jiying did not accompany this force in its movement.

[5] Pinglinshi, a town name, located southwest of Yingshan County, Hubei.

[6] Liulin, a town name, located in the southern part of present-day Xinyang City, Henan.

Situation and Tasks After the Breakout of the Central Plains Military Region Troops

there is as yet no reflection on when the units of Zeng Suyuan[1] and Song Ruike will move; Cheng Qian[2] has ordered the 3rd and 20th Brigades of the 3rd Division to draw troops to secure Sui-Zao[3]; it is assessed that these two brigades, apart from those garrisoning Xiangfan, can only each detach a portion to reinforce the strongholds at Sui and Zao. (3) At present, all the main enemy forces have been left behind by you. Each of your columns should assign a small force with a radio set to serve as the rear guard, maintaining contact with the enemy at a long distance to delay them, while the main force strives to gain time for rest. (4) Your task is to operate in the vast areas of northwestern Hubei and southwestern Henan, preserving yourselves while simultaneously pinning down large numbers of enemy troops, thereby making an immense contribution to the overall situation. (5) The forces of the Jianghan Military Sub-region should be ordered to hold fast in their original area and not be taken away; that area remains one of your excellent zones for maneuver and should not be lightly abandoned. (6) The changes in the overall situation are developing in our favor; the reactionaries are outwardly strong but inwardly weak, with many vulnerabilities.

Military Commission

Wei (5th)