The Chen-Xie Column Should Immediately Launch the Lüliang Campaign[1]

(May 26, 1947)

Chen, Xie, Han, and inform Peng, Xi[2]:

The Chen-Jing telegram[3] has presumably reached you. In order to carry out the mission of advancing westward, your entire column, in coordination with the 12th Brigade, should immediately begin launching the Lüliang Campaign, annihilate the enemy in the counties of Xiangning, Ji, Pu, Daning, Xiangling, and Fencheng[4], and seize the cities of Xiangning, Ji, Pu, and Daning as opportunities arise. After success, if the situation warrants it, conduct another operation against Jiexiu, Lingshi, and Xiaoyi to weaken the Yan[5] army in that area. The above operations are all to be completed within June. In the first half of July, the entire army shall rest and regroup, and in the second half, await orders to cross the river. Report on your planned disposition.

Military Commission

26th

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Chen Geng, commander of the 4th Column of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army; Xie Fuzhi, political commissar; and Han Jun, deputy commander. Acting on the instructions of the Central Military Commission, the 4th Column of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army, the main force of the Taiyue Military District, and the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army subsequently launched offensive operations, liberating the county towns of Xiangning, Daning, Pu County, Fencheng, and Xiangling in succession.

[2] Peng and Xi refer to Peng Dehuai and Xi Zhongxun, who were then respectively commander and political commissar, and deputy political commissar, of the Northwest Field Army.

[3] This refers to the "Disposition for the Chen-Xie Column’s Westward Advance Operation."

[4] Xiangning, Ji, Pu, and Daning refer to Xiangning, Ji County, Pu County, and Daning in Shanxi. Xiangling and Fencheng refer to Xiangling and Fencheng, both former county names; in 1954 the two counties were merged to form Xiangfen County, Shanxi.

[5] Yan refers to Yan Xishan, then director of the Taiyuan Pacification Headquarters of the Nationalist Army.