Questions Concerning the Advance into Chamdo [I]
(August 18, 1950)
Southwest Bureau:
We have received your telegrams concerning the advance into Chamdo. It would of course be very good if we can reach Chamdo this year. The questions are: (1) Whether the long road from Garzê to Chamdo can be built and opened to traffic at the speed of the army’s attack;
(2) Whether an airfield can be built at Chamdo and whether it is suitable for airdrops;
(3) Whether one division is sufficient for attacking Chamdo. The Tibetan army seems to have considerable combat effectiveness, and we must be prepared to fight several hard battles. Have you made sufficient assessment in this regard? We are still unclear about the above points. Please analyze and telegraph us your reply.
[I] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong to the Southwest Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Mao Zedong
August 18