The First Battle After the Two Armies Join Forces Must Be Won[1]

(September 28, 1946)

Chen:

The first battle after the two armies[2] join forces must be won. Our opinion: (1) Do not strike the Guangxi clique; first strike the Central clique. (2) Do not divide forces to fight two enemies; must concentrate forces to fight one enemy. Report your disposition plans at your earliest convenience.

Military Commission
Shen Jian

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Chen Yi, Commander and Political Commissar of the Shandong Field Army.
[2] Refers to the Shandong Field Army and the Central China Field Army.