To Fu Zuoyi [I]
(August 26, 1949)
Our army is now attacking Lanzhou, and it appears Ma Hongkui may be moving to reinforce Lanzhou. Chairman Mao’s view is that, if possible, you should cable Ma Hongkui and urge him not to send reinforcements, so as to prepare for a peaceful settlement of the Ningxia question. If he goes to reinforce, then the chances for a peaceful settlement of Ma’s forces will be even fewer.
[I]
This was the main content of a telegram to Fu Zuoyi, drafted by Mao Zedong at Peng Dehuai’s cabled request, to be sent under the names of Nie Rongzhen and Bo Yibo.