Directive Telegram Concerning Dealing with Fu Zuoyi[1]

(May 11, 1948)

Lin, Luo, Liu, and inform Cheng:

(1) Yang Dezhi and Luo Ruiqing, leading the 3rd and 4th Columns plus one brigade of the 2nd Column, totaling seven brigades, are determined to set out on the 14th or 15th, cross the Beiping–Suihua Railway on the 17th or 18th, and thereafter, with the objective of annihilating the 13th Army, advance and strike toward the line from Miyun to Gubeikou and in the direction of Chengde.

(2) The main forces of Fu Zuoyi’s four armies are attacking from the Zhangjiakou–Huailai line toward Yuxian, attempting to relieve the siege of Yingxian. We shall use the 1st Column to attack Yingxian (not certain to capture it) and use two brigades of the 2nd Column to resist at Yuxian, drawing Fu’s troops toward the Yingxian direction, so as to facilitate our main forces’ crossing of the railway.

(3) Our 6th Column has already annihilated the main force of one division of Yan’s troops that were advancing and harassing toward Shijiazhuang. It is estimated that this enemy no longer dares to advance, and the 6th Column can then be transferred to the Beiping–Baoding line to coordinate with the 1st and 7th Columns (the 1st, 6th, and 7th Columns are all newly formed units established not long ago), under the command of Yang Chengwu, to deal with Fu Zuoyi from the interior lines, defend Shijiazhuang, and coordinate with Yang and Luo[2] in operations. The two brigades of the 2nd Column will, depending on the situation later, either move to Rehe or remain on the interior lines.

(4) Since the main forces of Fu’s troops have already advanced toward Yuxian, the units under Zhan Danan,[3] apart from sending a small number to northern Beiping

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Lin Biao, commander and political commissar of the Northeast Field Army, Luo Ronghuan, deputy political commissar, and Liu Yalou, chief of staff.

[2] Yang and Luo refer to Yang Dezhi and Luo Ruiqing, who at the time were respectively commander and first political commissar of the Jin-Cha-Ji Field Army.

[3] Zhan Danan, at the time commander of the 9th Brigade of the Ji-Re-Cha Column of the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region.

to guide Yang and Luo, can be used for operations in Rehe.

(5) The above disposition has already been decided. However, you still must not rely on Yang and Luo, but should rely on yourselves.

Military Commission

11th, 16:00 hours