To Lin Biao, Luo Ronghuan, and Liu Yalou[1]

(December 16, 1948)

(1) Regarding the content of negotiations with Fu Zuoyi’s representatives, the basic principle is to strive to make the enemy lay down their arms, but certain tactics may be employed to achieve this objective. (2) Specific tactics are not to be decided for now. Wait until Fu Zuoyi’s representatives arrive at Sanhe and hold discussions with you, then telegraph the content of the talks to us for further consideration. (3) Of Fu Zuoyi’s three main-force armies, one has been annihilated, and two are besieged at Zhangjiakou and Xinbao’an. Within Beiping city, Fu Zuoyi has only one division of the 35th Army, two divisions of the 101st Army, and one cavalry division. The absolute majority of the enemy troops in Beiping and all enemy troops in Tianjin and Tanggu belong to the Central clique (only Chen Changjie is close to both Chiang and Fu), and Fu Zuoyi finds it very difficult to command these troops. However, within the scope that does not impair the basic principle stated in the first point of this telegram, which is also the principle you mentioned in your telegram of striving to make the enemy lay down their arms, we should attempt to exploit the fear that Fu Zuoyi and a large number of cadres within his clique have regarding the danger to their lives and property (Fu Zuoyi is a war criminal, and certain individuals within Fu’s clique are deeply hated by the people of North China). We may consider allowing a mitigation of the punishment for Fu Zuoyi and his cadres and permitting them to preserve their private property as conditions, in exchange for Fu Zuoyi ordering the entire army to lay down its arms. (4) But our primary objective is to resolve the Central Army. You should probe Fu’s representatives to find out whether Fu has the authority to order the Central Army to surrender their weapons. If he does not have such authority, then you may propose to him that he allow our troops passage into the city to resolve the Central Army. (5) As for other conditions the enemy side might propose, we shall address them after they are raised.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China to Lin Biao, Luo Ronghuan, and Liu Yalou, concerning the principles and tactics for negotiations with Fu Zuoyi.