CCP Central Military Commission Telegram to Lin Biao et al. Regarding the Encirclement and Annihilation of Bai Chongxi’s Main Force (October 10, 1949) To Lin, Deng, Tan, Xiao, and Zhao, with copy to Ye and Chen: Your telegram of 7:00 a.m. on the 10th has been received.   (1) You have already pinned down four divisions of the Guangxi Army north of Qiyang, and the remaining enemy forces are also rushing to reinforce. Our troops now have the opportunity to annihilate Bai’s main force in the Hunan–Guangxi border region. We are greatly relieved to hear this.   (2) We fully concur with your proposal: Chen Geng’s corps shall immediately strike straight through from the Shaoguan–Yingde line to Guilin and Liuzhou, cutting off the enemy’s lines of retreat and coordinating with the main force to encircle and destroy Bai’s banditry. If this plan can be carried out, it will greatly shorten the duration of the campaign; please issue orders forthwith to implement it.   (3) Deng Hua’s corps and the units under Zeng Sheng and Lin Ping are to independently seize Guangzhou when the opportunity arises. The specific deployment is to be discussed and agreed upon by Ye, Fang, Deng, and Lai, who are then to report back by telegraph.   (4) The Second Field Army units currently stationed at Xiangtan may, if necessary, be ordered to join the operation to annihilate the enemy in the Qiyang area.   CMCC, 11:00 p.m. on the 10th. Printed from Mao Zedong’s handwritten draft.   Notes   [1] Bai Chongxi was appointed Chief of the Central China Military and Political Headquarters of the Nationalist Government in April 1949.   [2] Lin Biao was at that time Commander of the Fourth Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Commander of the Central China Military…