The airfield must be quickly brought under control to prevent the encircled American troops from evacuating.

(December 4, 1950)

Peng, Deng, Piao; Song, Tao, Qin:

(1) The ROK Capital Division and 3rd Division, lacking trains, are retreating mainly on foot. When they will reach Hamhung remains uncertain. The enemy has already ordered the evacuation of the encircled US 5th and 7th Regiments from Hagaru-ri by air. Song and Qin are to move quickly to gain control of the Hagaru-ri airfield to prevent the enemy troops from withdrawing, and to destroy the southward-retreating elements of the 5th and 7th Regiments, leaving only their defensive units in the Yudam-ni area surrounded but not annihilated, in order to lure the enemy.

(2) Song and Qin are requested to provide a detailed telegram report on enemy and friendly dispositions from Hwangchoryong, Kot’o-ri, and Hagaru-ri to Inhu-ri and Yudam-ni, as well as the arrangements for preventing the enemy’s escape by air and the deployment for blocking reinforcements.

Mao Zedong
December 4, 13:00

[Notes:

--- Notes

1. Peng, Deng, Piao refer to Peng Dehuai, Deng Hua, Piao Yiyu. Song, Tao, Qin refer to Song Shilun, Tao Yong, Qin Jian.

2. Hagaru-ri is located in the southern part of Changjin County, Hamgyongnam-do.

3. Yudam-ni is located in the western part of Changjin County, Hamgyongnam-do.]