Peng [2], and inform Gao [3]: Your telegram of 18:00 on December 8 has been received.
(1) At present, the United States, Britain, and other countries are demanding that our forces halt north of the 38th Parallel [1] to facilitate their military reorganization and renewed combat. Therefore, our forces must cross the 38th Parallel. Halting north of the 38th Parallel would place us at a significant political disadvantage.
(2) In this southward advance, we hope to seek out and destroy several enemy units in the area north and south of Kaesong, that is, in the region not far from Seoul. Then, depending on the situation, if the enemy commits substantial forces to hold Seoul, our main force may withdraw to the Kaesong line and areas north of it for rest and reorganization, preparing conditions for an assault on Seoul, while deploying several divisions to operate near the northern bank of the middle reaches of the Han River, supporting the People’s Army in crossing the Han River to annihilate puppet forces. If the enemy abandons Seoul, our six armies on the western front shall rest and reorganize for a period between Pyongyang and Seoul.
(3) It is extremely important to replenish a large batch of new recruits by mid-January next year. Gao is requested to intensify preparations. Gao and Peng are asked to consider whether it is necessary and feasible to dispatch cadres from the frontline armies (a total of nine armies on the eastern and western fronts) to Shenyang to strengthen the management and training of new recruits. Song Shilun’s [4] unit currently requires an immediate reinforcement of troops to restore its vitality. Whether this is possible, Gao is requested to plan and report.
(4) Preparations are underway for air force protection of railway transport lines, with the possibility of realization, but final confirmation remains subject to further consultation and handling.

Mao Zedong
December 13
Based on the manuscript.

Notes
[1] The 38th Parallel, see note [5] on p. 99 of this volume.
[2] Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.
[3] Gao refers to Gao Gang, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.
[4] Song Shilun (1907–1991), a native of Liling, Hunan Province, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Ninth Army Group of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.