To the Northeast Bureau and Others[1]

(October 18, 1948)

Regarding the matter of compelling and winning over Zheng Dongguo[2] to revolt, it is hoped that you will instruct Xiao, Xiao, Chen, and all units to adopt a policy of coercion toward Changchun, block all possible escape routes, and refrain from attacking him for the time being, so as to hasten his change. In addition to sending someone to deliver Enlai’s telegram to Zheng Dongguo, Lin Biao and Xiao Jinguang may also write letters to him. Xiao, Xiao, and Chen should also select appropriate personnel to conduct negotiations with Zheng.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to the Northeast Bureau, Lin Biao, Luo Ronghuan, Liu Yalou, and forwarded to Xiao Jinguang, Xiao Hua, and Chen Bojun. At the time, Xiao Jinguang, Xiao Hua, and Chen Bojun were respectively serving as commander, political commissar, and deputy commander of the First Corps of the Northeast Field Army.

[2] Zheng Dongguo was then serving as deputy commander-in-chief of the Kuomintang’s Northeast “Bandit Suppression” General Headquarters and concurrently as commander of the First Corps.