Telegram to Deng Hua [1] et al. Regarding the Volunteer Army’s Entry into North Korea to Engage in Combat According to the Scheduled Plan (October 18, 1950)  To Deng, Hong, Han, and Xie [2], with notification to Deputy Commander He [3]: The four armies and three artillery divisions are hereby ordered to enter northern Korea to fight, commencing at dusk on the evening of the 19th along the Andong [4]–Ji’an line, crossing the Yalu River. In order to maintain strict secrecy, all units crossing the river shall begin operations at sunset each day and cease by 4:00 a.m. the following morning, completing their concealment before 5:00 a.m. and conducting thorough inspections to ensure compliance.

To gain experience, on the first night (the evening of the 19th) two to three divisions will be prepared to cross; the number may be increased or decreased on the second night, subject to further assessment of conditions. Further details will be communicated orally by Gao Gang and Peng Dehuai [ ].

Mao Zedong, 9:00 p.m., October 18. Printed from the approved original text.

Notes  [1] Deng Hua was then Commander and Political Commissar of the 13th Corps of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.  [ ] Hong refers to Hong Xuezhi, and Han refers to Han Xianchu, both of whom served as Deputy Commanders of the 13th Corps of the Chinese People’s Volunteers at that time. Xie refers to Xie Fang, who was Chief of Staff of the 13th Corps.  [3] Refers to He Jinyuan, Deputy Commander of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.  [4] Andong is present-day Dandong City.  [ ] Gao Gang was then Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army. Peng Dehuai was the Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers at that time.