Action Plan for the Chen Geng and Deng Hua Corps in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong [I]
(July 24, 1949)
To Lin, Deng, Xiao, and Zhao, with copies to Liu, Song, Zhang, Li[1] and Fang Fang[31]:
All telegrams have been received.
(1) We agree to postpone the southward advance of the Chen Geng and Deng Hua corps until after the “Three Dog Days.” (2) Chen Geng’s suggestion that full political mobilization be carried out within the troops regarding the new mission is entirely correct. Both the Chen Geng and Deng Hua corps, as well as all other corps, should follow this approach. Experience has repeatedly shown that the clearer and more transparent the mission—and the favorable and adverse conditions likely to be encountered during its execution—are explained in advance, the more conducive it is to the successful completion of the task and to overcoming various difficulties. (3) After the Three Dog Days, these two corps shall set out using a brigade-by-brigade marching method, advancing in the first phase to the areas of Guidong, Rucheng, Shangyou, Chongyi, Ganzhou, Nankang, Dayu, and Xinfeng to await further orders. At that time, Comrade Fang Fang of the South China Bureau, together with Ye Jianying and Zhang Yunyi[51], who are currently descending from Beiping, will arrive in Ganzhou to convene a meeting. This meeting is extremely important.[I]
This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong on behalf of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee to Lin Biao, Commander of the Fourth Field Army and concurrently of the Central-South 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 the time was Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s Henan–Anhui–Jiangsu Bureau and Third Deputy Political Commissar of the Third Field Army. 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]
Fang Fang was then Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s South China Bureau.
[4]
The Chen Geng and Deng Hua corps
refer to the Fourth Corps of the Second Field Army and the Fifteenth Corps of the Fourth Field Army, commanded by Chen Geng and Deng Hua, respectively.
[5]
Ye Jianying
was at the time Vice Chief of the General Staff of the CPC Central Military Commission, Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army, and Mayor of Beiping. Zhang Yunyi, formerly Deputy Commander of the East China Military Region,
had by this time been assigned to work with the South China Bureau.

Action Plan for the Chen Geng and Deng Hua Corps in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong
It is essential. Several key issues concerning the occupation of Guangdong should be resolved at this meeting, primarily the composition of the Party, government, and military leadership organs; the operational procedures; policies for taking over and administering Guangdong; cadre deployment; efforts to resolve the Guangdong question peacefully through negotiations with Yu Hanmou[111] and others; monetary matters; foreign policy (especially with regard to Hong Kong); and preparations to counter imperialist economic blockades and military intervention. The meeting should be held no later than September 5; Fang Fang is requested to arrive in Ganzhou on time. Lin Ping[21] and any other individuals deemed necessary should also attend, as decided by Fang Fang. Fang Fang must conclude his work in the Fujian–Guangdong–Jiangxi border region well in advance. (IV) The Jiangxi Provincial Committee must promptly complete preparations for taking over Ganzhou and the counties of southern Jiangxi. (V) The Nationalist forces in southern Jiangxi under Shen Fazao[31] are willing to break away from Jiangxi Province Chairman Fang Tian and side with us. The Jiangxi Provincial Committee and one division of the Fifteenth Corps remaining in southern Jiangxi should actively engage in contact and negotiation to secure a peaceful takeover of southern Jiangxi and the reorganization of the enemy forces there. (VI) Over the next month and a half—that is, before mid-September—the main units of the Fourth Field Army should strive to advance into the areas of Chaling, You County, Xiangtan, Xiangxiang, and Ningxiang, endeavoring to resolve the Hunan issue peacefully. In this way, when the Chen Geng and Deng Hua corps move from southern Jiangxi toward Guangzhou around mid-September, the main forces of the Fourth Field Army will be able to advance toward Hengyang[41] and the Xiang River region. Given the current extreme heat, the main forces of the Fourth Field Army may proceed slowly, covering forty to fifty li per day, followed by two or three days of marching and then one or two days of rest. (VII) Lin, Deng, Xiao, and Zhao are requested to inform Chen Geng, Deng Hua, and the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the above points.
[1]
Yu Hanmou was at the time Director of the Nationalist Government’s Guangzhou Pacification Office.
Central Military Commission
Noon Greetings
[2]
Lin Ping was then Deputy Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s South China Bureau and Commander and Political Commissar of the Guangdong–Jiangxi–Hunan Border Column.
[3]
Shen Fazao was then Commander of the Nationalist Army’s Third Training Command and Commander of the Fourth Corps.
[4]
Hengyang
refers to Hengyang in Hunan Province.