Reply to Lin Biao[1]

(January 7, 1949)

Our basic policy is: as long as Fu allows us to peacefully take over Beiping and Tianjin, Fu’s forces may be permitted to be reorganized into a single army, he himself may be absolved of war crimes, retain his private property, and he may decide for himself whether to live in Beiping or go elsewhere. The lives and family property of his subordinates shall not be violated. Beyond this, nothing else may be granted to him, nor can this be called an uprising.

[1] This is the main content of a reply telegram to Lin Biao drafted by Mao Zedong for the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee.