Comrade Dehuai, and inform Comrade Gao Gang:

Received your telegram of the 21st at 23:00.¹ Based on the current situation, withdrawing the troops for rest and reorganization in preparation for renewed combat is the correct course of action.

Mao Zedong
May 22

[1]
[2]
[3]

--- Notes

Peng Dehuai, then serving as Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.


Gao Gang, then serving as Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.


Refers to Peng Dehuai’s telegram to Mao Zedong sent on May 21, 1951, at 23:00. The telegram stated: The Fifth Campaign has lasted one month, with operations conducted on both the eastern and western fronts. The troops are somewhat fatigued and need to recover and sum up combat experience. Since the initiation of the battle, transportation on the front line has been extremely difficult, and the rainy season is about to begin. Numerous rivers, lakes, and marshes lie entirely to our rear; should mountain torrents suddenly break out, all communications would be severed, causing great concern. In this operation, no organic U.S. division was destroyed. The enemy exaggerates our casualties and may still attempt a northward incursion. In light of the above, if our army continues to advance, it will not be easy to destroy the enemy and will only increase difficulties. It is better to withdraw, allow the main forces to rest and reorganize, and seek opportunities to annihilate the enemy.