To Chen Geng, Xie Fuzhi, and Han Jun[1]

(September 26, 1947)

(1) The timing of the operation to strike the 64th Brigade is to be decided by yourselves, with the general principle of ensuring victory. (2) The enemy at Yiyang may move to reinforce Xin’an. You must prepare to strike the reinforcing enemy and should order Qin’s Column to participate in this operation. (3) A portion of the force should feint toward the enemy in the direction of Tongguan, to confuse that enemy (up to the present, the Xi’an side all believes you will certainly strike the West Tongguan Line and is very panicked), so as to facilitate the main force’s concealed eastward advance, to suddenly encircle the 64th Brigade and annihilate it.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China to Chen Geng, Xie Fuzhi, and Han Jun.