Telegram to Peng Dehuai [1] et al. Regarding the Deployment for Annihilating Enemy Reinforcements (December 3, 1950) To Peng, Deng, and Pu [2], as well as Song, Tao, and Qin [3], with copy to Gao and He [4]: After several days of combat, our Ninth Corps has achieved a major victory. Not only have we virtually annihilated the 1st Marine Regiment and several other reinforcing units in the Hagaru-ri area, but we have also completely destroyed more than one regiment of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division in the Sinsang-ri area. Within the next few days, the only enemy forces likely to arrive in reinforcement are two Rhee Syngman divisions and a little over one regiment of the U.S. 7th Division. If our troops can destroy these reinforcements one by one, it will bring about a significant change in the Korean theater of operations. Therefore, (1) we request that Song and Qin consider swiftly redeploying the 26th Army southward to undertake the task of engaging and destroying the enemy reinforcements; and (2) with respect to the enemy forces in the Yudam-ni area, apart from eliminating a portion of them, we should temporarily leave a large contingent intact—surrounding them without immediate annihilation—so that they continuously call for help day and night. This will draw the enemy reinforcements into the area, providing us with opportunities to engage and defeat them. Should the enemy at Yudam-ni be prematurely wiped out, the reinforcements will certainly fail to arrive; instead, they will concentrate around Hamhung, blocking our advance southward and placing us at a disadvantage for our next operation. We would appreciate it if Song and Qin could, in light of the actual situation on the ground, make a comprehensive decision regarding the feasibility of these proposals. Mao Zedong, 1:00 A.M., December 3 Based on the original verbatim record preserved in the Central Archives of China. Included in Selected Military Works of Mao Zedong (Internal Edition).

Notes [1] Peng Dehuai was then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. [2] Deng refers to Deng Hua, and Pu refers to Pak Il-woo, both of whom served as Deputy Commanders and Deputy Political Commissars of the Chinese People’s Volunteers at the time. [3] Song refers to Song Shiyun, who was Commander and Political Commissar of the Ninth Corps of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. Tao refers to Tao Yong, who was Deputy Commander of the Ninth Corps. Qin refers to Qin Jian, who was Chief of Staff of the Ninth Corps. [4] Gao refers to Gao Gang, who was Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army. He refers to He Jinyuan, who was Deputy Commander of the Northeast Military Region.