Chapter 30 4. Mao Zedong's important instructions

When Siping was liberated on March 18, the new 1st Army and the 71st Army equipped with American equipment, the natural enemy, rushed towards Siping aggressively from Shenyang. The situation was very unfavorable to me. According to this situation, the "Eastern President" decided: the 10th brigade of the 3rd Division of Central China led by Zhong Wei will block the area north of Tieling and south of Siping to cover our 1st, 3rd and 7th Divisions in Shandong, and the 7th Division of the 3rd Central China Division. , The main force of the 8th brigade, and a total of 6 divisions (brigades) of the independent brigade quickly assembled in the Siping area, preparing to participate in the battle to defend Siping.

Zhong Wei led the 10th Brigade to choose favorable terrain from Liaoxitun in the south of Tieling according to the instructions of the "Eastern General", and laid down layers of defense lines to fight steadily. Using flexible tactics, the new 1st Army was dizzy and unable to move an inch. Under Chiang Kai-shek's order to "occupy Siping before April 2", Liang Huasheng, deputy commander of the Northeast Security Command of the Kuomintang, ordered the two main divisions of the New 1st Army to take turns to open the way and attack uninterruptedly in an attempt to use artillery fire to open a bloody road. Under the tenacious resistance of my 10th brigade soldiers and the constant harassment of his rear, his illusions were shattered.

At the same time, the enemy's 71st Army also suffered the same fate during its attack on Faku.It was not until April 4 that Liang Huasheng cautiously entered Changtu, which was still tens of kilometers away from Siping, and the 71st Army also entered the Faku, and the deadline for Chiang Kai-shek to restrict the occupation of Siping was too early.Our army took advantage of this precious time to complete the assembly of troops in the Siping area, set up a formation, and stand ready. When the subordinates could not complete the tasks as scheduled, Chiang Kai-shek, as the commander in chief, kept sending telegrams to question them, which made Xiong Shihui and Du Yuming, the directors of the Northeast camp, restless day and night, helpless.Helpless, only Liang Huasheng was strictly ordered to lead the New 1st Army and the 71st Army to cheer up and speed up the attack on Siping.

On April 4 Lin Biao led his headquarters to Siping.That night, he sent a telegram to Huang Kecheng and Li Fuchun, saying: "I have arrived in Siping now, and I don't know the situation yet. Tomorrow, I will go south to scout the terrain. This time, I will concentrate nearly 6 brigades of troops and plan to fight the enemy resolutely. Hope to use various methods Raise the morale of the army, we must strive for victory to establish the situation in the Northeast. Please forward this report to the Northeast Bureau and the Central Committee." Huang Kecheng was very happy to hear the news of Lin Biao's arrival, and immediately telegraphed the Central Committee, the Northeast Bureau, and the units of the 3rd Division: "Mr. "The battle in the Siping area is the key to determining the current and future changes in the situation. All soldiers must be mobilized under the determination of Commander-in-Chief Lin to fight to the death, to fight with the highest level of courage and sacrifice. No sacrifices and fatigue will be achieved. The glorious task of striving for victory in the decisive battle."

On April 5, Lin Biao made a circle around Siping. After viewing the terrain, he telegraphed the Northeast Bureau and the Central Committee in the evening: "It was originally planned to use the mountains south of Shuangmiaozi to wipe out the enemy if the situation permits. If the troops are too late to counterattack , is determined to defend Siping, and the main force will attack the rear. The layout of the defense is already in progress here." Mao Zedong was very happy to see Lin Biao's telegram.Immediately instructed Lin Biao and Peng Zhen to say: "It is very correct to concentrate 6 brigades to wipe out the enemy in the Siping area. If there is any wavering in the party, even if it is slight, you must resolutely overcome it. I hope you can fight repeatedly in Siping for many days. Combat, annihilate all or most of the troops marching north. Even if our army has tens of millions of casualties, we will not hesitate." "If I can organize many effective battles within three months to half a year, annihilate six of the attacking enemies With 9 divisions, you can train yourself, frustrate the enemy, and open up a bright future. To achieve this goal, you must prepare tens of thousands of casualties. You must be determined to pay this price before you can achieve a new situation. In the current few days, The key is to win the battles of Siping and Benxi." (Volume Three of Mao Zedong's Military Works)

Mao Zedong's determination was so great, it was also a great encouragement to Lin Biao and the commanders and fighters of our army in the Northeast.