Central Military Commission Organs Transfer Situation[1]

(March 29, 1947)

Peng and Xi:

All telegrams of yesterday and today have been noted. (1) Your disposition is very good. (2) We moved last night to the area south of Suide. For the purpose of confusing the enemy, we first moved eastward, and the next step is to prepare to move westward. (3) The reconnaissance station can arrive tonight and resume work tomorrow.

Military Commission

29th, 16:00 hours

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Peng Dehuai, commander and political commissar of the Northwest Field Corps, and Xi Zhongxun, deputy political commissar.

[2] At 9:00 on March 28, 1947, Peng Dehuai and Xi Zhongxun sent a telegram to the Military Commission, the text of which reads: "1. The enemy forces near Qinghuabian are the 123rd Brigade, 135th Brigade, and 165th Brigade. Yesterday (the 27th), the 123rd Brigade attacked northeast of Qinghuabian, the 135th Brigade is constructing fortifications near Qinghuabian, and the 165th Brigade is positioned at Zhaojiagetuo. The 1st Division and 90th Division are on the Guaimao-Ganguyi line. One regiment of the 55th Brigade has moved from Jixian to Linzhen and Jinpenwan to take over defense; the 24th Brigade and 144th Brigade in that area are advancing toward Yanchang and appear to have already occupied it. The defense of Yan'an city is held only by the 47th Brigade, 12th Brigade, and two battalions of the 31st Brigade. The enemy abandoned Ansai on the 26th, and we have recovered it. The enemy already feels a shortage of troops. 2. According to the disposition telegrammed at 20:00 on the 27th, we will use a small force backed against Chakou to strive to draw the enemy eastward, while the main force is positioned in depth along the Hejiaqu-Caishenmiao line, resisting the enemy's northward advance step by step. Our 1st and 2nd Columns and the Instruction Brigade will rest and train in place, waiting to annihilate the enemy when their flank and rear are exposed."

On March 29, 1947, Peng Dehuai and Xi Zhongxun sent a telegram to the Military Commission, stating: "Two battalions of the New 4th Brigade are positioned at Shiyaoping, five li east of Yongping, and the main force is assembled on both sides of the road from Yongping to Wayaobao."