Special Attention Must Be Paid to Schools When Attacking Tianjin[1]

(January 6, 1949)

When attacking Tianjin, besides paying attention to the factory areas, attention should also be paid to schools. If the enemy occupies schools and puts up stubborn resistance that cannot be overcome without the use of combat means, then combat means should naturally be employed, and even if some damage occurs, it should not be begrudged; but if the method of persuading the enemy to surrender can also resolve the situation, then that method should be used, so as to reduce the extent of damage to the schools. Please instruct Liu Yalou to deploy operations in accordance with the policy directives set forth in the telegram of 0300 hours on the 6th and in this telegram.

Central Military Commission
1700 hours, 6th

[1] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Lin Biao, Commander of the Northeast Field Army.
Manuscript of Mao Zedong's telegram to Lin Biao.