To Liu Bocheng, Deng Xiaoping, and Others[1]

(March 30, 1949)

(1) Bai Chongxi’s representative (Liu Zhongrong) arrived in Beiping today. We have decided to unite with Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi in opposing the Chiang faction. Li and Bai already have a preliminary understanding of this plan, but further work on our part is required.

(2) It has been decided that Bai must vacate the area north of Huayuan. When our forces approach Xinyang and Wushengguan, if the defending enemy withdraws southward, we should not attack or pursue them. Let them retreat to Huayuan and areas south of it. Xiaogan, Huangpi, Huang’an, Yangluo, Huanggang, and other places should also not be occupied for the time being. After the main force from the Northeast arrives, we will notify Bai Chongxi to hand over these areas, along with Hankou and Hanyang, to us in an orderly manner. (3) What is the disposition of enemy forces in Macheng, Xishui, Huangmei, Guangji, Taihu, and Anqing? Liu, Chen, and Deng are requested to investigate and report immediately. The enemy forces in these areas should generally be resolutely annihilated to clear obstacles for crossing the river. However, if the enemy forces in Macheng and Xishui do not obstruct Chen Geng’s advance, they may also be left untouched for the time being, to be dealt with later through negotiations for Bai to vacate them.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong for the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, addressed to Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping, with copies to Chen Yi, Rao Shushi, Su Yu, Tan Zhenlin, Xiao Jinguang, and Chen Bojun.