Completely Destroy the Bian-Xu Section of the Longhai Railway After Full Preparation[1]

(November 6, 1947)

Chen, Su:

(1) Chen-Xie[2] telegram of the 4th: They have occupied Dengfeng, Lushan, Baofeng, Linru, and Jiaxian, annihilating over 4,000 miscellaneous diehards and local militia. A portion of the enemy’s 5th Division has reached Xiangcheng; the 3rd, 20th, and 47th Divisions have reached the vicinity of Linru and Jiaxian. (2) How is your rest and consolidation proceeding? It is hoped that you will take the complete destruction of the Bian-Xu section of the Longhai Railway[3] as your objective and carry out full preparatory work. In particular, study railway demolition techniques, convene various cadre meetings, and specify concrete measures. Launch the railway destruction after Wuxu [the period from November 12 onward] to coordinate with Chen-Xie’s operations. Awaiting your reply.

Military Commission

Wuxu

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Chen Yi, commander and political commissar of the East China Field Army, and Su Yu, deputy commander.
[2] Chen-Xie refers to Chen Geng and Xie Fuzhi, who were then respectively secretary and deputy secretary of the Front Committee of the Chen-Xie Group of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army.
[3] The Bian-Xu section refers to the Kaifeng-Xuzhou railway, i.e., a section of the Longhai Line.