Telegram to Tao Zhu [1] Regarding the Operational Deployment of the 45th Army and Other Units (January 22, 1951)

Comrade Tao Zhu, with copy to Deng, Tan, Ye, and Fang [2]: Your telegram of January 15 has been received. The 45th Army is to strive to conclude bandit-suppression operations as soon as possible and then stand by for deployment along the Shaoguan–Guangzhou line for reorganization, training, and war preparation. The 21st Corps has been designated to carry out bandit suppression and garrison duties within Guangxi Province. As for the 49th Army, we aim to have it available for concentrated use starting in May or June; accordingly, please make the necessary deployments.

Mao Zedong January 22 Based on the manuscript print.

Notes [1] Tao Zhu was at the time a member of the Standing Committee of the Central South Bureau of the CPC and Director of the Political Department of the Central South Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army, and had been dispatched to Guangxi to assist in the bandit-suppression campaign. [2] Deng refers to Deng Zihui, who at that time served as the Third Secretary of the Central South Bureau of the CPC and Second Political Commissar of the Central South Military Region of the PLA. Tan refers to Tan Zheng, who was then Deputy Secretary of the Central South Bureau of the CPC and Third Political Commissar of the Central South Military Region of the PLA. Ye refers to Ye Jianying, then First Secretary of the South China Branch of the CPC and Commander and Political Commissar of the Guangdong Military Region of the PLA. Fang refers to Fang Fang, who at that time held the post of Third Secretary of the South China Branch of the CPC.