Qingjian and Wayaobao—One of the Two Places May Be Attacked First[1]

(October 2, 1947)

Comrade Peng:

Your telegram of the 2nd at 9:00 hours[2] has been noted. (1) According to the intelligence we have obtained, the 430th Regiment has already moved south with the 90th Division. The actual situation and fortification dispositions at Qingjian can be ascertained through the method of encirclement and probing attacks. If there is hope, then resolutely attack and capture it; otherwise, a temporary halt may be called. (2) As for the two places, Qing[jian] and Wa[yaobao],[3] one may be attacked first, and then the other; it is not necessary to attack both simultaneously. (3) Detach a unit with a radio station to approach Yan’an for reconnaissance. If the enemy sends reinforcements, then intensify blocking actions to gain time.

Military Commission

20:00 hours, 2nd

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee to be sent to Peng Dehuai, commander and political commissar of the Northwest Field Army.

[2] This refers to a telegram sent by Peng Dehuai at 9:00 hours on October 2, 1947, to the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, with copies to He Long and Xi Zhongxun. The telegram stated: Has the enemy’s 430th Regiment been redesignated as the 71st Regiment? Is it in Qingjian city? If this regiment is in Qingjian city, then there are over 6,000 men, making it difficult to capture; if it has already been transferred elsewhere, then we are determined to attack and seize Qingjian. If the grain supply problem can be resolved, we may also attack Wayaobao first and then Qingjian.

[3] Qing Wa refers to Qingjian and Wayaobao in Shaanxi Province.