Reply to Fu Zuoyi[1]
(September 19, 1949)

Chairman Mao said: We may treat the forces of Ma Hongbin and Ma Hongyao differently, but the resolution of the matter must take place at the front line and not in Beiping. This is true everywhere across the country, and Ningxia cannot be an exception. Whether it is Ma Hongbin or Ma Dunjing who wishes to resolve the matter, they should promptly send representatives to the Headquarters of the First Field Army in Lanzhou to contact Commander Peng Dehuai, or to the Headquarters of the 19th Corps in Guyuan to contact Commander Yang Dezhi. If Ma Hongbin can go in person to Lanzhou or Guyuan, that would be even better. General Peng Dehuai already knows that Ma Hongbin differs from Ma Hongyao in his conduct, and he is just now looking to make contact with Ma Hongbin. If Ma can go personally, or send a representative, he will surely be welcomed and will encounter no danger whatsoever. Please, Fu Yisheng, relay this to him at once so as to avoid any delay. Furthermore, the time for the Northwest Front’s advance into Ningxia is already very close; the Ningxia representatives should go at once to Guyuan or Lanzhou and delay no longer.
[1] This is the main content of a telegraph reply to Fu Zuoyi drafted by Mao Zedong in the name of Bo Yibo.