Construct Defensive Fortifications in Linyi to
Facilitate Annihilating the Enemy
(February 6, 1947)
To Chen [Yi], Rao [Shushi], Zhang [Yunyi], Li [Yu], Su [Yu], and Tan [Zhenlin]:1
You should construct the necessary defensive fortifications in Linyi so you will
be able to annihilate the enemy in the vicinity of Linyi under favorable circumstances. Doing this does not contradict our plan to prepare to give up Linyi when
necessary. The fortifications in Yi [county] and Zao[zhuang] should all be razed.
The Military Commission
Our source for this telegram is Mao Zedong junshi wenji, Vol. 3, p. 657, where it is
reproduced from Mao’s handwritten manuscript preserved in the Central Archives.
1.  Mao Zedong drafted this telegram on behalf of the Central Military Commission.
Chen Yi was commander of the East China Military Region, Rao Shushi was political commissar, Zhang Yunyi was deputy commander, and Li Yu was deputy political commissar.
Su Yu was commander of the East China Field Army and Tan Zhenlin was deputy political
commissar.
DOI:  10.4324/9781315719511-274