To Zhang Zongxun, Luo Ruiqing, and Others[1]

(August 28, 1946)

(1) The Jiang army’s northern front operational plan stipulates that Datong belongs to the 12th War Zone,[2] and Fu’s troops have the task of seizing Zhuozishan and Liangcheng as opportunities arise. (2) You must immediately begin deploying to annihilate the forces of Fu’s troops attacking Zhuozishan and Liangcheng, while at the same time not affecting our attack on Datong. (3) Report on the situation you have obtained, the certainty of annihilating Fu’s troops, and whether it is possible to do so without affecting the attack on Datong.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Zhang Zongxun and Luo Ruiqing, with copies to Nie Rongzhen and He Long.

[2] On August 10, 1946, in order to prompt Fu Zuoyi, Commander of the 12th War Zone, to reinforce Datong, Chiang Kai-shek transferred Datong, originally under the jurisdiction of Yan Xishan, Commander of the 2nd War Zone, to the 12th War Zone.