To Chen Yi and Su Yu[1]

(January 4, 1947)

(1) It is hoped that after the annihilation of the 26th Division, the 77th Division will be thoroughly annihilated next.

(2) The second step of action will be decided after this campaign is concluded, but we feel that the gain or loss of Shuyang is not crucial to the overall situation. It seems best to attack the Tai-Zao line[2] to annihilate the 51st Division and the 59th Division, thereby fundamentally resolving the southern Shandong issue.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Chen Yi and Su Yu, concerning the Southern Shandong Campaign launched on January 2.

[2] The Tai-Zao line refers to the line from Tai’erzhuang to Zaozhuang.