Reply Telegrams to Comrades Zhao Xiguang, Burhan Shahidi, and Ma Liangjun [1] Congratulating the Central People’s Government on Its Establishment (October 10 and 21, 1949) 1. To General Zhao Xiguang: Your telegram of the 10th has been received. The peaceful liberation of Xinjiang has brought joy to the whole country. It is hoped that all officers and men of the garrison in Southern Xinjiang will unite as one and strive to transform themselves into a people’s army. Mao Zedong October 10 Based on the edition published in the People’s Daily on October 12, 1949.

2. To Chairman Burhan Shahidi, with thanks conveyed also to all members of the Provisional People’s Government of Xinjiang Province: We are grateful for your congratulations. It is hoped that you will work in close unity with the People’s Liberation Army and with all ethnic groups throughout Xinjiang to implement the Common Program and to build a new Xinjiang. Mao Zedong October 21, 1949 Based on the edition published in the People’s Daily on October 22, 1949.

3. To Mr. Ma Liangjun, with thanks conveyed also to all Hui compatriots throughout Xinjiang: We are grateful for your congratulations. It is our hope that you will assist the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Government in uniting all ethnic groups, adhering to the Common Program, and establishing genuine people’s democracy, so as to build a new Xinjiang. Mao Zedong Zhu De October 21, 1949 Based on the edition published in the People’s Daily on October 22, 1949.

Notes [1] Zhao Xiguang was formerly Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Xinjiang Garrison under the Kuomintang government and concurrently Commander of the Southern Xinjiang Garrison. Burhan Shahidi was at that time Chairman of the Provisional People’s Government of Xinjiang Province. Ma Liangjun was then Grand Imam of the Hui community in Xinjiang.