Telegram to Liu Bocheng, Zhang Jichun, Li Da, et al.[1]

(April 10, 1949)

Just received a telegram from Bai Chongxi's side, stating: "Regarding the withdrawal from Anqing, there are temporary difficulties. Since the outbreak of hostilities in that area, the Ministry of National Defense has ordered it to be held firmly pending reinforcements. The area is under the command of the Jing-Hu District, and it is not convenient for our side to arbitrarily order the defending troops to withdraw. We propose to request that your side permit them to temporarily remain in that area without attacking, and our side will also not launch an attack, so as to await a resolution through peace talks."

Since Anqing is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense, it is naturally inconvenient for Bai Chongxi to order a withdrawal. Please order the front line to cease the attack on Anqing, so as to await a resolution through peace talks. If Anqing fears that our sending of personnel to make contact will shake the morale of its troops, you also need not send personnel to liaise. It is essential for both sides to temporarily maintain the status quo.

[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, Zhang Jichun, and Li Da, and for the information of the General Front Committee.