Telegram Approving the Policy of Striving to Launch an Offensive Against Hainan Island Before the Lunar New Year (December 31, 1949) Comrade Lin Biao [1] (Forwarded by the Central Committee): I have received the telegram from Deng, Lai, and Hong [2] dated the 27th.
I concur with the policy set forth in that telegram—namely, to make every effort to launch an offensive against Hainan Island before the Lunar New Year—on the understanding that operations shall be launched only after thorough preparation has established a high degree of confidence, so as to avoid rash and ill-considered action that might lead to mistakes.
To this end, Deng, Lai, and Hong should promptly proceed to the front lines on the Leizhou Peninsula to personally direct all preparatory work, and they should not count on air force support.
Mao Zedong December 31 Based on the manuscript for publication.
Notes [ ] Lin Biao was at the time Commander of the Fourth Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Commander of the Central-South Military Region. [ ] Deng refers to Deng Hua, who was then Commander of the Fifteenth Corps of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Lai refers to Lai Chuanzhu, who was then Political Commissar of the Fifteenth Corps.
Hong refers to Hong Xuezhi, who was then First Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Fifteenth Corps.