Su Yu and Tan Zhenlin Should Proceed Quickly to the Southern Front to Direct Operations[1]

(October 23, 1948)

Chen and Deng, Rao, Su, and Tan:

(1) We have noted Chen and Deng’s telegram of Yang Hai.[2] We are very pleased that Zhengzhou has been occupied. It is very good that you rest for two days and then advance eastward to attack and occupy Kaifeng. (2) Su and Tan are requested not to stay too long in Jinan. All matters concerning Jinan are to be handed over to Shushi for handling. Su and Tan should proceed quickly to the southern front to direct operations so that the battle can be launched according to the scheduled time (Xu Wei). (3) The most intense period of the Huaihai Campaign will be from Xu Wei to Xu Ge, lasting about two weeks. Chen and Deng are to advance eastward on You You; it is estimated that they may be able to attack and occupy Kaifeng by the end of the month. If the enemy at Kaifeng flees eastward, Chen and Deng may be able to reach the vicinity of Shangqiu by the end of the month and can coordinate closely with the Huaihai operations in a timely manner. (4) Su and Tan are requested to immediately order the 3rd Column, the Guang Column, and the local corps of southwestern Shandong to reach the area north of Shang and Dang[3] by the end of the month and to be placed under the command of Chen and Deng. (5) After Chen and Deng advance eastward and join forces with the 3rd Column, the Guang Column, and other units, their first objective is to annihilate Sun

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Chen Yi, First Deputy Commander of the Central Plains Field Army, and Political Commissar Deng Xiaoping; Rao Shushi, Political Commissar of the East China Military Region; Su Yu, Acting Commander and Acting Political Commissar of the East China Field Army; and Tan Zhenlin, Deputy Political Commissar of the East China Field Army.

[2] This refers to the telegram sent by Chen Yi and Deng Xiaoping to the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee at the hour of Hai on October 22, 1948. The telegram stated: The enemy at Zhengzhou withdrew toward Xinxiang at the hour of Chen today and was intercepted by a brigade of our 9th Column at a point 30 li north of Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou city was occupied by our forces today. We plan to rest at our present location for two days and begin advancing eastward on the 25th to attack and occupy Kaifeng.

[3] Dang refers to Dangshan in Anhui.

Su Yu and Tan Zhenlin Should Proceed Quickly to the Southern Front to Direct Operations

Yuanliang’s Corps,[1] and their second objective is to attack and occupy Su and Beng.[2]

The Military Commission

5:00 a.m., 23rd

[1] Sun Yuanliang’s Corps refers to the 16th Corps of the Kuomintang, with Corps Commander Sun Yuanliang.

[2] Su and Beng refer to Su County and Bengbu in Anhui.