Operational Deployment of the Liu-Deng, Chen-Tang, and Two Units[1]

(March 22, 1948)

Liu, Deng, Chen, Tang, Chen Geng, and inform Chen, Su[2], the Central Working Committee, Peng, Zhang, Zhao[3]:

All telegrams received. Deployment is as follows: (1) Chen-Tang (commanding Chen Geng) shall lead the 3rd, 4th, and 8th Columns in rest and reorganization until the end of Mao Wei. The rest and reorganization location shall be either at the present site or, as per Liu-Deng’s suggestion, moved to Linru and Yiyang[4], striving for replenishment (first and foremost for the 8th Division, which has suffered the greatest losses). Between the end of Mao Wei and Mao Hui, commence movement toward the Nanyang direction. Either strike Nanyang first and then attack the four counties of Wanxi[5], or strike the four counties of Wanxi first and then attack Nanyang, to be decided according to circumstances. (2) Liu-Deng shall lead the 1st, 2nd, 10th, and 11th Columns and other forces that can be concentrated in mobile operations between the Sha River, Huai River, and the Ping-Han Line[6]. (3) The two armies shall provide mutual vocal support and operate independently. When necessary, Liu-Deng shall decide to commit part or all of their forces in coordinated operations, striving to annihilate three to five enemy brigades in the Mao Chen and Mao Si months, thereby altering the war situation and assisting Su Yu’s operations. During coordinated operations and

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Liu Bocheng, Commander, and Deng Xiaoping, Political Commissar, of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army; Chen Shiju, Chief of Staff, and Tang Liang, Director of the Political Department, of the East China Field Army; and Chen Geng, Secretary of the Front Committee of the Chen-Xie Group of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army.

[2] Chen and Su refer to Chen Yi and Su Yu, who at the time served respectively as Commander and Political Commissar, and Deputy Commander, of the East China Field Army.

[3] Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, who at the time served as Commander and Political Commissar of the Northwest Field Army. Zhang and Zhao refer to Zhang Zongxun and Zhao Shoushan, who at the time both served as Deputy Commanders of the Northwest Field Army.

[4] Yiyang, an old county name, is present-day Ruyang, Henan.

[5] Wan is the ancient name for Nanyang, Henan. The four counties of Wanxi refer to Deng County, Zhenping, Neixiang, and Xichuan in Henan.

[6] The Ping-Han Line refers to the railway from Beiping (present-day Beijing) to Hankou, now a section of the Beijing-Guangzhou Line.

mutual coordination, Chen-Tang shall be under Liu-Deng’s command.

Central Military Commission

Yin Yang

On March 23, 1948, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Ren Bishi, and others left northern Shaanxi for the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei Liberated Area. The image shows Mao Zedong crossing the Yellow River eastward at Chuankou, Wubu County, on the western bank of the Yellow River.

On March 23, 1948, Mao Zedong crossed the Yellow River eastward at Chuankou, Wubu County.

On March 23, 1948, Mao Zedong came ashore after crossing the Yellow River eastward.


"Crossing the Yellow River Eastward" (Chinese painting)