After the Battle of Qinghuabian, Prepare to Fight the Second Engagement[1]

(March 26, 1947)

Peng and Xi:

(1) Congratulations on your victory in annihilating the main force of the 31st Brigade. This battle is of great significance. It is hoped that a commendation order will be issued to all commanders and fighters. (2) The 135th Brigade may move toward the Qinghuabian area in search of the 31st Brigade. It is hoped that preparations will be made to fight the second engagement. (3) Mao[2] joined all the comrades of the Central Committee yesterday.

Military Commission

Yinxiaowu

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Peng Dehuai, commander and political commissar of the Northwest Field Corps, and Xi Zhongxun, deputy political commissar. After the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission voluntarily withdrew from Yan’an on March 19, 1947, the Northwest Field Corps used a small force to lure the enemy’s main force toward Ansai (northwest of Yan’an), while its main force lay in ambush in the Qinghuabian area northeast of Yan’an, waiting for an opportunity to annihilate the enemy. On March 25, the headquarters of the 31st Brigade of the Reorganized 27th Division of Hu Zongnan’s Kuomintang army, leading one regiment totaling over 2,900 men, entered the pre-arranged ambush ring of the Northwest Field Corps. After over an hour of fighting, they were completely annihilated by our forces.

[2] Mao refers to Mao Zedong.