Combat Situation in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region Over the Past Three Months[1]

(June 15, 1947)

The enemy, with 31 regular brigades plus security regiments totaling over 200,000 troops, is pressing down on our Border Region, which has a population of only 1.5 million and an army of just over 40,000—amounting to roughly seven and a half people against each enemy soldier. In terms of enemy strength, Shandong ranks first and the Border Region second; but in terms of population compared to the enemy, the Border Region ranks first. However, three months of warfare have already sapped enemy morale and left them with no confidence in their future. Our army, on the other hand, is in high spirits and full of confidence. In mid-April, the central authorities moved to the vicinity of Qingyangcha and Woniu City, where they worked quietly for nearly two months. From the 9th to the 11th of this month, Liu Kan led four brigades on a parade through our station; aside from some minor losses among the populace, there were no other losses. The central authorities are still working at a place not far from Woniu City. Our main force is now conducting operations in Longdong[2] and is preparing to transfer Chen Geng’s column across the river early next month to coordinate with the Border Region troops in annihilating Hu Zongnan and seizing the Great Northwest.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Gao Gang, with information relayed to leading comrades in various localities.

[2] The Longdong operation, later referred to as the Longdong-Sanbian Campaign, refers to the operation in which the main force of the Northwest Field Army advanced westward from Ansai on May 29 to recover Huanxian, Dingbian, Anbian, and Jingbian.