Commentary on the Report by Liu Yalou [1] et al. Concerning the Repair of Airfields Throughout the Country (December 5, 1949)

We approve this approach [2]. The East China Military Region and all other military regions are hereby instructed to proceed accordingly. The Central Financial and Economic Commission is likewise directed to disburse only the absolutely essential portion of the funds while withholding approval for any expenditures that can be reduced.

Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, December 5, 1949.

Printed from the manuscript. Notes [1] Liu Yalou was at the time Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. [2] Refers to the method proposed in the telegram dated November 28, 1949, sent by Liu Yalou and others to the Central Military Commission regarding funding for airfield repairs. The content is as follows: (1) At present, all military regions nationwide and governments at various levels should primarily assign dedicated personnel to safeguard and manage existing airfields and their equipment, ensuring they are no longer subjected to sabotage or theft. Simultaneously, repair work should be carried out within the limits of local financial resources and manpower available—some troops may be mobilized to assist. Major repair projects at airfields outside the East China area may be postponed temporarily, pending the time when the Air Force Command has the capacity to undertake comprehensive planning; a formal plan would then be submitted for approval by the Military Commission before implementation. (2) Within the East China region, where preparations are underway for combat operations, priority should be given to repairing those airfields directly related to the impending missions. The scope of construction should be limited strictly to what is necessary for carrying out these combat tasks, so as not to incur excessive expenditure. The Aviation Department of the East China Military Region has already drawn up such a repair plan and submitted it for review to the Front Committee of the Third Field Army. In view of the fact that the Air Force Command currently lacks the capacity to examine and approve such budgets, it is suggested that the Air Force Command determine whether a particular airfield should commence repairs immediately, while the relevant logistics authorities designated by the Front Committee of the Third Field Army review and approve the repair budget for submission to the Military Commission.