To Deng Hua and Others on the CPV Army’s Entry into Korea for Combat According to the Scheduled Plan

(October 18, 1950)

Deng, Hong, Han, Xie, and inform Vice Commander He:

The four armies and three artillery divisions are resolutely to enter northern Korea for combat according to the scheduled plan. Starting tomorrow evening (the 19th), they shall begin crossing the Yalu River along the Andong-Ji’an line. To maintain strict secrecy, the river-crossing units shall commence operations at dusk each day and cease by 4 a.m. the following morning. Concealment must be completed before 5 a.m. and thoroughly inspected. To gain experience, on the first night (the evening of the 19th), preparations shall be made to cross two to three divisions. On the second night, the number may be increased or decreased as circumstances warrant. Other matters shall be communicated in person by Gao Gang and Dehuai.

Mao Zedong
21:00, October 18