Destroy the Puppet 1st, 6th, and 8th Divisions First, Then Strike the US and British Forces

(October 26, 1950)
To Peng and Deng, [1] with notice to Gao. [2]

The US 24th Division and the British 27th Brigade have already crossed the Chongchon River in the Sinanju area. Order the 39th Army not to proceed to Yongsan [3] or Nyongbyon, [4] but to temporarily avoid (if possible) the US and British forces so as not to become bogged down. Instead, it should advance from Taechon toward Unsan and areas to its north to seek battle with the Puppet 1st Division. In coordination with the 40th and 38th Armies, first annihilate the Puppet 1st, 6th, and 8th Divisions, and then strike the US and British forces. If the Puppet 1st Division is operating together with the US and British forces, then for the time being do not engage the Puppet 1st Division either. Wait until the Puppet 6th and 8th Divisions have been wiped out, then seek an opportunity to attack that enemy. How to proceed specifically, please decide in light of the situation.

Mao Zedong
5:00 a.m., October 26

[1] Peng and Deng refer to Peng Dehuai and Deng Hua, who were then respectively Commander and Political Commissar, and Deputy Commander and Deputy Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.
[2] Gao refers to Gao Gang, who was then Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region.
[3] Yongsan refers to Yongsan-dong, located southwest of Nyongbyon County, North Pyongan Province.
[4] Nyongbyon is located in the southeastern part of North Pyongan Province.