To Deng, Hong, and Han[1], and also to inform Peng[2]:
The enemy is advancing very rapidly; seizing the opportune moment for battle is of the utmost importance. Within two or three days, the enemy may discover that it is our army and take some measures; if at that time we still do not have measures to unify the actions of the entire army, we will lose the opportune moment for battle. Therefore, you should quickly travel by vehicle to Peng's location, join up with Peng, decide on the campaign plan under Peng's leadership, and command the operations. On what day you will depart and on what day you can arrive, please inform me immediately.
Mao Zedong
17:00, October 23