Chen Lu and Deng Hua’s Deployment for the Offensive into Guangdong
(July 21, 1949)
To Lin, Deng, Xiao, and Zhao; also to Liu, Song, Zhang, and Li121, as well as to the South China Bureau:
(1) We approve your telegram of July 17 (31—received only on the 21st), including the overall deployment plan.
(2) It is correct for Chen Geng and Deng Hua151 to enter Guangdong via two separate routes. However, please pay close attention to road conditions and food supplies along the Guidong–Guiyang route. If difficulties arise, Chen Geng’s heavy weapons and baggage trains may proceed southward along Deng Hua’s route, while Deng Hua, in addition to the Nanshi61 Highway, should seek out an auxiliary road on the eastern side.
(3)
After Chen and Deng have entered Guangdong, preparations should be made for Chen’s corps to advance from the Bei River area and Deng’s corps from the Dong River area (possibly requiring prior occupation of [I] This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong on behalf of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Lin Biao, Commander of the Fourth Field Army and concurrently of the Central China Military Region; Deng Zihui, Second Political Commissar; Xiao Ke, First Chief of Staff; and Zhao Erlu, Second Chief of Staff.
[2]
Liu refers to Liu Bocheng, then Commander of the Second Field Army. Mo refers to Song Renqiong, who at that time served as Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s Henan–Anhui–Jiangsu Regional Bureau but had already been transferred to the post of Deputy Director of the Nanjing Military Control Commission. Zhang and Li refer to Zhang Jichun and Li Da, respectively serving as Deputy Political Commissar and Director of the Political Department, and Chief of Staff of the Second Field Army.
[3]
Refers to the telegram dated July 17, 1949, sent by Lin Biao, Deng Zihui, and Zhao Erlu to the CPC Central Committee’s Military Commission. The telegram stated that the forces under Chen Geng and Deng Hua were currently set to move toward Guangdong. However, if both units were to pass through Ganzhou, Nanxiong, and Shixing, severe congestion would occur. Therefore, Chen Geng proposed that one of his two armies advance via Suijiang and Guidong, preparing to enter Renhua and Lechang; once reaching Guidong, if the enemy in You County and Chaling had not yet withdrawn, they would press straight toward Bangzhou and Yongxing, aiming to cut off the enemy’s retreat from south to north. Should the enemy have already retreated upon arrival in Guidong, this army would then proceed via Rucheng to Renhua and Lechang. The other of Chen Geng’s two armies would advance via Chongyi and Shangyou toward Shixing. As for Deng Hua’s two armies, they were to move via Ganzhou, Nankang, and Nanxiong toward Wengyuan.
[4]
Chen Geng was at the time Commander and Political Commissar of the Fourth Corps of the Second Field Army.
[5]
Deng Hua was at the time Commander of the Fifteenth Corps of the Fourth Field Army.
[6]
Nanshi refers to Nanxiong and Shixing counties in Guangdong Province.

Chen Lu and Deng Hua’s Joint Deployment for the Attack on Guangdong
Huizhou, |)—the two corps are to launch a pincer movement against Guangzhou. Prior to the attack on Guangzhou, each corps must first undergo a brief period of rest and reorganization along the Bei River and the Dong River (approximately half a month to one month), respectively, during which they are to meet with the South China Bureau to finalize the entire plan for taking over Guangzhou, |, and the entire province, as well as to assign cadres. Please convey these instructions to Chen and Deng for their attention. (4) Chen and Deng’s two corps should promptly establish radio communication with the South China Bureau’s Fangfang and also maintain regular telegraphic contact with the Military Commission. (5) The South China Bureau should immediately relocate from Meixian to Nanxiong to receive Chen and Deng and conduct consultations on all matters. (6) Meanwhile, Comrade Ye Jianying12 1 should be ordered to proceed to Guangdong ahead of schedule.
Committee
Horse
Military
Noon
[I]
Fangfang was at the time Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s South China Bureau.
[2]
Ye Jianying was then Vice Chief of the General Staff of the CPC Central Committee’s Military Commission, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and Mayor of Beiping City.