Ensure the Complete Severance of the Link Between the 35th Army and Huailai[1]

(December 8, 1948)

Yang, Luo, Geng, and inform Cheng, Huang:[2]

You must deploy your main force (at least two columns) in the direction of the enemy’s escape, that is, to the east, and position a portion of your forces on the enemy’s flank. Ensure the complete severance of the link between the 35th Army and Huailai. No violation or delay is permitted.

The Military Commission

8th, 5:00 hours

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Yang Dezhi, commander of the Second Corps of the North China Military Region; Luo Ruiqing, political commissar; and Geng Biao, chief of staff.

[2] Cheng and Huang refer to Cheng Zihua and Huang Zhiyong, who were respectively commander and chief of staff of the Second Corps of the Northeast Field Army at the time.