Telegram to Peng Dehuai [1] et al. Regarding the Deployment for the Encirclement and Annihilation of the U.S. 1st Marine Division (November 12, 1950)  Peng, Deng, Pu [2]: It is said that the combat strength of the U.S. 1st Marine Division is the strongest in the U.S. armed forces. Our forces are planning to encircle and annihilate two of its regiments with four divisions, which appears insufficient. One to two additional divisions should be held in reserve, and the 26th Army of the Ninth Corps should be positioned closer to the front line. Operational preparations must be thorough, and campaign command must be meticulously organized. Please continue to guide Song and Tao [3] in carrying out their mission.  Mao Zedong November 12 Based on the manuscript. Included in Selected Military Works of Mao Zedong (internal edition).  Notes [1] Peng Dehuai was at the time Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. [2] Deng refers to Deng Hua; Pu refers to Park Il-woo. Both were at the time Deputy Commanders and Deputy Political Commissars of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. [3] Song refers to Song Shiyun, who was then Commander and Political Commissar of the Ninth Corps of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. Tao refers to Tao Yong, who was at the time Deputy Commander of the Ninth Corps.