May 31, 1951
Dehuai[1] comrade:
Please reply to the following questions:
(1) What is the degree of solidity of the fortifications previously constructed in the zone north of the Yanggu-Hwacheon-Yeoncheon line and south of the Mundeung-ri[2]-Kimhwa-Cheorwon-Saknyeong[3] line? What is the possibility of our forces holding this line to prevent the enemy from advancing, and along this line seeking opportunities to fight more small-scale battles of annihilation, in order to gradually weaken the enemy?
(2) Are you currently deploying the construction of a second defensive position in the zone north of the Mundeung-ri, Kimhwa, Cheorwon, Saknyeong line and south of the Kimseong[4], Pyonggang, Icheon, Namcheonjeom line, and what is the possibility of holding this line?
(3) Have the 42nd Army in the Yangdeok area and the 40th Army in the Sariwon area completed fortification works?
Mao Zedong
May 31, 22:00

[1] Dehuai, i.e., Peng Dehuai, then serving as Commander and concurrently Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Volunteers.
[2] Mundeung-ri, located in the central part of Yanggu County, Gangwon Province (South).
[3] Saknyeong, located southwest of Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province (South).
[4] Kimseong, located northeast of Kimhwa County, Gangwon Province.