Telegram to Peng Dehuai to Understand the Construction and Defense Situation of Our Army’s Positions
(May 31, 1951)

Comrade Dehuai:

Please answer the following questions:

(1) How strong are the fortifications previously built in the zone north of the Yangkou-Hwachon-Ryongchon line and south of the Mundung-ni-Kumhwa-Chorwon-Saknyong line? What is the possibility of our army holding this line to prevent the enemy from advancing and, along this line, seeking opportunities to fight more small-scale annihilation battles in order to gradually weaken the enemy?

(2) Are you currently deploying to construct a second defensive line in the zone north of the Mundung-ni-Kumhwa-Chorwon-Saknyong line and south of the Kumchon-Pyonggang-Ichon-Namchonjom line? What is the possibility of holding that line?

(3) Have the 42nd Army in the Yangdok area and the 40th Army in the Sariwon area completed fortifications?

Mao Zedong
May 31, 22:00

Based on the manuscript.

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Note

〔1〕 Peng Dehuai, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.