Opinions on the Use of the Volunteer Army's Troop Strength
(December 17, 1950)

Peng,[1] and inform Gao,[2] and inform Song and Tao[3]

The 9th Corps, in its current operations on the eastern front, has accomplished a huge strategic task under extremely difficult conditions. Due to severe cold, lack of supplies, and fierce fighting, personnel losses have reached as many as 40,000. The Central Committee is deeply concerned about this. In order to recover their vitality, conserve strength and build up energy for further combat, it is proposed that after the current operations are completely concluded, the entire corps withdraw to the Northeast, replenish with new recruits, rest and reorganize for two to three months, and then return to Korea for combat. During this period, the six armies on the western front, in coordination with the Korean People's Army, will conduct operations in South Korea. In each campaign, the objective will be to annihilate about 10,000 to at most 20,000 troops of the U.S. and Syngman Rhee forces;[4] the troop strength seems sufficient for this. Because operating in South Korea, the supply lines are very long, and favorable opportunities for battle can only be obtained through careful selection and thorough preparation; too many troops would be unnecessary. Only at the time of a final decisive battle will it be necessary to add large forces. If within two or three months there is an opportunity to use more troops, we may also consider, in accordance with Comrade Gao Gang's proposal, deploying Yang Dezhi's corps.[5] However, Yang's corps also needs to strengthen its equipment and replenish personnel (the corps has 110,000 men, of whom about 90,000 are combat-capable). If this corps is to be used, it would be appropriate for it to move in late January or February next year. What are your opinions? Please inform.

Mao Zedong
December 17

--- Notes

[1] Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
[2] Gao refers to Gao Gang, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region.
[3] Song and Tao refer to Song Shilun and Tao Yong, then respectively Commander and Political Commissar, and Deputy Commander of the 9th Corps of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
[4] U.S. and Syngman Rhee forces refer to the American troops and the South Korean troops commanded by Syngman Rhee.
[5] Yang Dezhi's corps refers to the 19th Corps, whose commander was Yang Dezhi.