If the Enemy Withdraws from Pyongyang,
the Volunteer Army Shall Advance to the 38th Parallel [I]

(December 4, 1950)

To Peng, Deng, Piao, and Hong, with copies to Gao, He, Song, and Tao:

(1) The enemy in Pyongyang appears to be preparing to withdraw. (II) Dispatch several strong reconnaissance teams equipped with radios to approach the line of Chinnampo, Pyongyang, and Samdung to conduct power reconnaissance, observe the situation, and heighten the enemy’s panic. The enemy there is now startled several times a night and is extremely panicked. (III) Designate a division of the People’s Army, three to five thousand strong, along with Party and government personnel, to be positioned near Pyongyang, ready to enter Pyongyang to maintain order once it is confirmed that the enemy has indeed withdrawn. (IV) After our Volunteer Army has rested for five days, if the enemy in Pyongyang has not withdrawn, prepare to first strike the enemy near Pyongyang, then encircle Pyongyang and study methods for attacking the city. If the enemy in Pyongyang has already withdrawn, then advance to the 38th Parallel.

Mao Zedong
December 4, 13:00

[I] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong to Peng Dehuai, Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army; Deng Hua and Piao Yiyu, Deputy Commanders and Deputy Political Commissars; and Hong Xuezhi, Deputy Commander.