(May 27, 1951)

A. The overall political task of the Volunteer Army is to fight in rotation and annihilate nine divisions of the U.S. and British forces (including several miscellaneous brigades and battalions), thereby resolving the Korean issue. In terms of tactics, we agree with the policy proposed by Commander-in-Chief Peng[1] of continuously rotating and destroying the enemy piece by piece, namely the method of "nibbling away at sticky candy." Each army shall aim to completely and cleanly annihilate one enemy battalion per operation. Deploy three to four armies at a time (or slightly more), while other units undergo reorganization, replenishment, and await opportunities to strike when conditions permit. By rotating operations in this manner, weaken the enemy over the summer, autumn, and winter seasons, and launch a large-scale offensive next spring; if the objective of weakening the enemy can be achieved ahead of schedule during the summer and autumn, a major battle can be fought in winter to seek the annihilation of a large number of enemy forces at one stroke.

B. Political work must be strengthened to ensure that all cadres and soldiers fully understand and are mentally prepared for the protracted and arduous nature of the Korean war situation. At the same time, the conditions for victory should be pointed out, with emphasis on overcoming and conquering difficulties.

C. Organizationally, fully agree with the principle of "unified centralization, reducing hierarchical levels, streamlining organizations, and enhancing efficiency." It is best to abolish the army group level and strengthen the Volunteer Army Headquarters[2] and the armies (Comrade Chen Geng also agrees with this plan), though transforming them into streamlined command posts is also acceptable. Add one division to the organic structure of each army, and eliminate three to four direct units under the army to strengthen the training of new recruits; a portion of the army logistics organs can be drawn upon to reinforce logistics. Specific plans are to be proposed by Commander-in-Chief Peng.

D. Troops entering Korea shall rotate approximately every six months, moving to northern Korea or Northeast and North China for about three months of rest and reorganization before rejoining combat operations. The third echelon of three armies from the Southwest has already arrived in North China but is critically short of cadres and cannot be deployed in the short term. The two armies of the Yang Corps[3] are fully prepared and can be deployed at any time.

E. In addition to focusing on building and accelerating the deployment of the air force, the current emphasis is on strengthening anti-tank weapons and air defense weapons. The troops should vigorously promote the shooting of tanks and aircraft.

[1] Commander-in-Chief Peng refers to Peng Dehuai.
[2] Volunteer Army Headquarters, i.e., the Headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
[3] Yang Corps refers to the 20th Corps of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, with Yang Chengwu serving as Corps Commander.