Reply to Yang Dezhi, Luo Ruiqing, and Others[1]

(December 7, 1947)

The operational policy for the next step shall be based on the principle of annihilating the enemy. As for when and where to strike and how to fight, all shall be decided by you according to the circumstances. On the northeastern front, the winter campaign can commence around the middle of this month. It would be most appropriate for you to begin operations after the 20th.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee in reply to Yang Dezhi, Luo Ruiqing, Yang Chengwu, and Geng Biao, with copies to Peng Zhen, Nie Rongzhen, Xiao Ke, Huang Jing, and the Central Working Committee.