Fortifications too strong need not be stormed; one should bypass and advance[1]

(April 9, 1947)

Chen, Xie, Wang:

(1) The capture of Xinjiang and Jishan is most gratifying. The 10th Brigade has shown very good discipline; commendation is to be given.

(2) Seek the opportunity to capture Hejin, Wanquan, Ronghe,[2] and other places. (3) Where fortifications are too strong, there is no need to storm them; one should bypass and advance, attacking where they are weaker. (4) Hu’s[3] forces are now retreating from Wayaobao toward Qinghuabian.

Military Commission

Maojia

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee to Chen Geng, commander of the 4th Column of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army; Xie Fuzhi, political commissar; and Wang Xinting, commander of the Taiyue Military District.

[2] Wanquan and Ronghe were both former county names. In 1954, the two counties were merged to form Wanrong County, Shanxi Province.

[3] Hu refers to Hu Zongnan, then commander of the 1st War Zone of the Nationalist Army.