At Present We Should Boldly Attack and Capture Sishui and Six Other Cities[1]

(July 14, 1947)

Chen, Su, and Tan, with information to Liu and Deng[2]:

Your recent instructions to Chen and Tang[3] have changed too frequently. The main force of Chen and Tang should still rapidly strike and capture Sishui and Qufu[4], while the 10th Column attacks Ningyang, Wenshang, and Jining. The 12th Army should be left aside for the time being; otherwise, the opportunity will be lost and nothing will be accomplished. The enemy forces on the front moving westward for reinforcement will certainly be extremely cautious and will not dare to take risks. Therefore, Chen-Tang and Ye-Tao[5] should boldly attack and capture Sishui, Qufu, Zou, Teng, Ning, Ji, Wen[6], and other places without too many misgivings. Wait until the westward-reinforcing enemy draws near, and depending on the situation, if it is favorable for fighting, then your entire army should converge and strike the enemy from both sides; if it is not favorable, then seek another opportunity. If there is no further opportunity, then consider sending two columns (it seems Ye-Tao would be appropriate) across the area west of the lake[7] to coordinate operations with Liu and Deng. But the present task is to resolutely and boldly attack and capture the seven cities of Sishui, Qufu, Zou, Teng, Ning, Ji, and Wen, and prepare to coordinate with your front to strike the enemy from both sides. Your four columns on the front should also now resolutely annihilate the relatively dispersed enemy forces. It is a great pity that the enemy at Donglidian could not be annihilated.

Central Military Commission
21:00, 14th

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[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Chen Yi, commander and political commissar of the East China Field Army; Su Yu, deputy commander; and Tan Zhenlin, political commissar.

[2] Liu and Deng refer to Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping, who were then respectively commander and political commissar of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army.

[3] Chen and Tang refer to Chen Shiju and Tang Liang, who were then respectively chief of staff and director of the Political Department of the East China Field Army.

[4] Sishui and Qufu refer to Sishui and Qufu in Shandong Province.

[5] Ye and Tao refer to Ye Fei and Tao Yong, who were then respectively commander of the 1st Column and commander of the 4th Column of the East China Field Army.

[6] Zou, Teng, Ning, Ji, and Wen refer to Zou County, Teng County, Ningyang, Jining, and Wenshang in Shandong Province.

[7] The area west of the lake refers to the region west of Weishan Lake, at the junction of Jiangsu, Shandong, and Henan provinces.