To Wang Zhen and Others[1]

(November 22, 1947)

All telegrams received and noted. (1) The failure to capture Yuncheng[2] and the incomplete annihilation of enemy reinforcements have naturally caused some temporary low morale among commanders and fighters. However, the spirit of our army remains strong. It does not matter much if one or two battles are not fought well. As long as you humbly study and draw lessons from experience, many victories will follow. Please convey this idea to the commanders and fighters. (2) We agree that the 2nd and 8th Columns should select suitable locations for a period of rest and reorganization, then seek out Yan Xishan and fight several battles. After that, both columns should move out together to the north of the Wei River, coordinate with the main force of the Northwest Army to annihilate Hu Zongnan, and effectively support Chen and Xie. (3) During your period of rest, reorganization, and operations against Yan, pay attention to organizing new local forces and leading them in training and combat together. In a few months, they will take over the tasks of the 8th Column in southern Shanxi.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Wang Zhen, Wang Xinting, Peng Dehuai, Zhang Zongxun, Xu Xiangqian, Teng Daiyuan, Bo Yibo, He Long, and Xi Zhongxun, with copies to Chen Geng and Xie Fuzhi.

[2] Yun refers to Yuncheng.