Central Military Commission Directive on Preparations for Taking Over Beiping, Tianjin, and Tangshan[1]

(December 13, 1948)

Nie, Bo, Ye, Huang, and inform Lin, Luo, Liu[2] and Huang Kecheng:

1. It is reported that the enemy at Nankou has retreated to Beiping, and the enemy at Lutai in Tangshan is also retreating. Instruct the Second Bureau to pay full attention to the movements of the enemy in Beiping and Tianjin.

2. Rongzhen, Peng Zhen, Jianying, and Huang Jing should at all times be prepared to lead the takeover personnel and working cadres to travel by vehicle and rush to Beiping and Tianjin. Should the enemy flee or show signs of fleeing, they should set out immediately; if the enemy holds fast, they should await orders to set out at their present location.

3. You should maintain close contact with Lin, Luo, and Liu.

4. This takeover of Beiping and Tianjin will have an impact both at home and abroad. You must ensure that the results of the takeover and management match those achieved in Shenyang and Jinan, and do not fall behind those in Shenyang and Jinan. Do not repeat the mistakes made in the initial period of taking over Shijiazhuang.

5. Instruct Lin, Luo, Liu, and Tan to pay attention to matters of discipline among the assault troops and garrison troops.

6. Instruct Lin, Luo, Liu, and Tan to guide the personnel and garrison troops taking over Tangshan in eastern Hebei, so that they properly take over and safeguard the Tangshan area.
7. Events are developing very rapidly. You should at all times be prepared to cope with developments as rapid as those in Shenyang.

8. Instruct Huang Kecheng to lead cadres and come quickly to eastern Hebei.

Central Military Commission

0600 hours, December 13

--- Notes

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Commander Nie Rongzhen and Political Commissar Bo Yibo of the North China Military Region, as well as Ye Jianying and Huang Jing.

[2] Lin, Luo, and Liu refer to Lin Biao, Luo Ronghuan, and Liu Yalou, who at the time were respectively Commander, Political Commissar, and Chief of Staff of the Northeast Field Army.