Agree to Move the Main Force to the Zhucheng–Juxian Area After the Linqu Campaign[1]

(July 27, 1947)

Chen, Su, Tan, and the East China Bureau:

Agree to the East China Bureau’s Wuxiao telegram. After the Linqu Campaign,[2] move the main force to the Zhucheng–Juxian area, drawing the enemy toward Binhai and Jiaodong, so as to facilitate subsequent maneuver. At the same time, Chen and Tang[3] shall join with Ye and Tao[4] in combined operations and must not cross to the west of the lake,[5] so as to facilitate the actions of Liu and Deng.[6]

The Military Commission

Wugan

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

[2] On July 21, 1947, the reorganized Eighth Division of the Kuomintang army occupied the town of Linqu. On July 25, units of the Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Columns of the East China Field Army launched an attack on this enemy force. Fierce fighting continued for five days and nights. Due to a shortage of assault equipment and the rapid approach of enemy reinforcements from the south, the attack did not succeed, and our forces voluntarily withdrew from the engagement on July 29.

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

[4] Ye and Tao refers to Ye Fei and Tao Yong, who were then serving respectively as commander of the First Column and commander of the Fourth Column of the East China Field Army.

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

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