Exert Full Efforts to Block and Pursue the Enemy Breaking Out Eastward from Zhangjiakou and Xuanhua[1]

(December 7, 1948)

Cheng and Huang; Yang, Luo, and Geng; Yang and Li[2]:

(1) According to Yang and Li, on the afternoon of the 6th yesterday, the enemy at Zhang-Xuan[3] broke out eastward in large numbers. (2) It is hoped that Yang, Luo, and Geng will exert full efforts to resolutely block and strike them along the Xuanhua–Xiahuayuan[4] line. (3) It is hoped that Cheng and Huang will advance toward Huailai by starry night. (4) It is hoped that Yang and Li will use one column to keep watch on the enemy at Zhangyuan[5] and use two columns to fiercely pursue and fiercely strike the fleeing enemy. (5) Yang, Luo, and Geng are to speedily assume unified command of Yang and Li’s operations.

The Military Commission

7th, at 2:00 hours

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[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Cheng Zihua, commander of the Second Corps of the Northeast Field Army, and Chief of Staff Huang Zhiyong, among others.
[2] Yang, Luo, and Geng refer to Yang Dezhi, Luo Ruiqing, and Geng Biao, who at the time served respectively as commander, political commissar, and chief of staff of the Second Corps of the North China Military Region. Yang and Li refer to Yang Chengwu and Li Tianhuan, who at the time served respectively as commander and deputy political commissar concurrently director of the political department of the Third Corps of the North China Military Region.
[3] Zhang-Xuan refers to Zhangjiakou and Xuanhua in Hebei.
[4] Xiahuayuan, a town name, is present-day Xiahuayuan District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
[5] Zhangyuan refers to Zhangjiakou, Hebei.