Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by General Chou En-lai to General Marshall
Referring my memorandum dated May 19, 1946, reporting the Nationalist attack in Kiangsu and Anhwei and requesting the despatch of additional field teams, I received the following additional report from the Communist commander of the afore-mentioned area:
“Beginning from May 10 onward to May 20, eight Nationalist regiments, comprising the entire 138th Division, two regiments of the 77th Division, the 511th Regiment of the 171st Division, and the separate 2nd and 3rd Regiments, launched a four-pronged attack on the Communist 4th Military Sub-District around Tingyuan, Anhwei (shown in the overlay). They took over forty towns and townlets (including Tingyuan town, Outang, Chiho, Laojentsang, Teshengchi, Jenhochi, Tsianghsinpu, Jantengshih, Kaoshanchi, Hsiehchiatien, Chanchikang, Changchiaochen, Yawuochi etc) and occupied the entire 4th Military Sub-District. Since May 18, the Nationalist troops, split into innumerable small units, commenced to comb the far-flung corners. Wherever they go, Communist military and civil personnel are arrested or murdered.”
In view of the above, I request you to wire again to Executive Headquarters for rushing a field team down to Tingyuan without delay and to order the withdrawal of Government troops from the Communist 4th Military Sub-District, failing which the Government will be held responsible for any untoward accident.