Telegram to Stalin on the Purchase of Air Force Equipment and Materiel
(April 13, 1950)
Moscow
Comrade Stalin:
The People's Revolutionary Military Council of the People's Republic of China plans to conduct operations to seize the Zhoushan Islands in June 1950 and operations to seize the Jinmen Island in August of this year. The above-mentioned two operations will involve the participation of the already trained units of the Chinese Air Force (two fighter regiments and one bomber regiment).
Since the remaining fourteen air force regiments (due to various limiting conditions, it is proposed to change the original plan to seven fighter regiments and seven bomber regiments) will only complete their training next spring, the operations to seize Taiwan are planned to be carried out in 1951.
In order to ensure the actions of the Chinese Air Force units in the above-mentioned operations, I request that you permit us to purchase from the Soviet Union various types of mechanical equipment, special-purpose vehicles, spare parts, fuel, and ammunition for use by the Air Force, and ask that the deliveries be made according to the deadlines specified in each purchase order.
Fourteen copies of the purchase orders for the above-mentioned materiel are enclosed herewith.
With
Communist salutations!
Mao Zedong
April 13, 1950