Telegram to Su Yu [1] Regarding the Operational Plan for Dinghai (November 14, 1949) Comrade Su Yu, with copy to Chen and Rao [2]: The Zhoushan Archipelago is garrisoned by a total of 50,000 enemy troops, who possess considerable combat effectiveness. Do you consider two and a half corps sufficient for the attack? In light of the failures on Kinmen Island and on a certain island near Dinghai more recently, you must pay close and serious attention to matters concerning the forces to be committed to the Dinghai operation, the deployment, the state of preparations, and the timing of the assault. If the preparations are not yet complete, it would be better to postpone the operation. I propose that you dispatch a senior officer directly to the vicinity of Dinghai to conduct an inspection. What is your view? Please reply. Mao Zedong November 14 Based on the manuscript print.  Su Yu was at the time Deputy Commander of the Third Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Deputy Commander of the East China Military Region. [ ] Chen refers to Chen Yi, who was then Commander of the Third Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Commander of the East China Military Region. Rao refers to Rao Shushi, who was at the time Political Commissar of the Third Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Political Commissar of the East China Military Region.