CCP Central Military Commission Telegram to Lin Biao [1] et al. Approving the Concentrated Operation of Five Armies (October 7, 1949)  Lin, Deng, Tan, Xiao, and Zhao [2]:   (1) We approve the deployment outlined in your 12:00 hours telegram of the 5th, calling for the five armies to converge and conduct a coordinated operation [ ].   (2) Bai Chongxi [ ] commands highly mobile and battle-capable forces. Officers at all levels must not underestimate the enemy. The most appropriate operational method is to destroy the enemy piecemeal.    The Central Military Commission, 2:00 a.m., 7th—printed from Mao Zedong’s manuscript.

Notes  [1] Lin Biao was then Commander of the Fourth Field Army of the People’s Liberation Army and Commander of the Central China Military Region.

[2] Deng refers to Deng Zihui, who at the time served as Second Political Commissar of the Fourth Field Army and Second Political Commissar of the Central China Military Region. Tan refers to Tan Zheng, Second Political Commissar of the Fourth Field Army and the Central China Military Region. Xiao refers to Xiao Ke, First Chief of Staff of the Fourth Field Army and the Central China Military Region. Zhao refers to Zhao Erlu, Second Chief of Staff of the Fourth Field Army and the Central China Military Region.

[3] In their telegram of 12:00 hours on October 5, 1949, Lin Biao and Deng Zihui submitted to the Central Military Commission: “In our future advance into Guangxi, I propose that the five armies proceed more closely aligned, advancing side by side. Should the enemy engage us in a decisive battle, we will be able to fight; should they retreat, we can still continue to push forward.”

[4] Bai Chongxi was appointed Director of the General Office of the Central China Military and Political Affairs of the Nationalist Government in April 1949.