Attack the 81st Division First, Then the 18th Division[1]

(June 4, 1947)

Peng and Xi:

Your Jiangshen telegram[2] noted. We propose first attacking the 81st Division, then the 18th Division; that is, strike exclusively at Ma Hongkui, refrain for the time being from engaging the Qing Ma[3], and do not move southward. The reasons are: (1) The Ningxia Ma are relatively easy to strike, while the Qinghai Ma are more difficult. We should first strike the weaker enemy, then the stronger enemy. (2) Opening up a front on the northwest flank will facilitate subsequent maneuverability and the accommodation of large numbers of wounded. (3) There are reports that Dong Zhao may move into Shanxi and that Liu Kan may move south of Yan’an. We should allow the enemy to move eastward and southward, while our army should not move southward prematurely. If our army moves south too early, there is a possibility of pinning down Dong Zhao and preventing him from going to Shanxi (Dong’s army going to Shanxi would be of great benefit to us). Please consider the above and reply with your views. In the coming days, if the enemy at Huanxian has not fled, then strike the enemy at Huanxian (two to three days should be spent on detailed reconnaissance and thorough preparation); if the enemy at Huanxian has already fled, then it is advisable to rest and regroup for several days.

Central Military Commission

Zhaishen

[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.

[2] Refers to the telegram sent by Peng Dehuai and Xi Zhongxun to the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee at 15:00 on June 3, 1947. The telegram stated: If the enemy’s 81st Division and the Independent Cavalry Regiment 5 under Ma Bufang hold fast at Huanxian, we are prepared to annihilate this enemy force. If this enemy force withdraws northward from Huanxian, we are prepared to move south on the 5th to strike the 82nd Division and eliminate Ma Bufang’s forces.

[3] Qing Ma refers to Ma Bufang of Qinghai, who then served as deputy director of the Northwest Administrative Headquarters of the Nationalist Government.