To Gao Gang[1] Regarding the Border Defense Army’s Imperative to Complete All Combat Preparations Before the End of September
(August 18, 1950)

Comrade Gao Gang:
(1) The report you submitted on August 15 from the Border Defense Army’s cadre meeting has been received. This report is correct.
(2) Comrade Xiao Jinguang[2] has come to report on various issues concerning the Border Defense Army. These issues can all be resolved.
(3) The time for the Border Defense Army to complete training and other preparatory work may be extended to the end of September. You are requested to intensify supervision and ensure that all preparatory work is completed before September 30.

Mao Zedong
August 18

[1] Gao Gang, then serving as Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
[2] Xiao Jinguang, then serving as Commander of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. In July 1950, he was appointed concurrently as Deputy Commander of the Northeast Border Defense Army. The Northeast Border Defense Army headquarters was not formally established later.