"Morins, contact the commander of the southern defense area right away," Song Heping ordered sharply, "and tell them to pull back immediately..."
After a brief silence, Song Heping scanned the map multiple times before making a decision. "Have the remaining people all move into the jungle near the Venezuelan border in the Matavini Region. Stop trying to hold the southern line; useless sacrifices are unnecessary. Wage guerrilla warfare in the Matavini jungle and tell the commander if things go south, to cross the river into Venezuela immediately. I'll have someone on the other side to meet you..."
"Into Venezuela?!" Morins exclaimed in surprise, "That's essentially giving up the southern defense area."
"Better to bend than to break," Song Heping replied. "It wasn't your choice to withdraw the troops from the south; they're as good as dead staying there. Sooner or later we'd lose the area anyway. Once you cross the river, you're safe. Wait until the news spreads, then strike back!"
