Commentary on the Construction of Roads into Tibet [1] (June 8, 1951)  Nie [2]: Please consult with Comrade Chen Yun [3] to determine whether funds are available for these road projects. Any work that can be postponed should be put on hold without exception.  Mao Zedong June 8 Based on the manuscript copy.

This is a marginal note by Mao Zedong on a telegram dated June 7, 1951, sent by Zhang Zongsun (First Deputy Commander), Gansiqi (Deputy Political Commissar and Director of the Political Department), and Yan Kuiyao (Chief of Staff) of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to the Central Military Commission and also to the Northwest Bureau. In their telegram, Zhang Zongsun and others discussed military deployments for the advance into Tibet, supply arrangements, road construction, and other matters, proposing: (1) It is recommended that work continue this year to complete the Zhangye–Xining highway (in kilometers), so as to facilitate the supply of fuel. (2) Immediate preparations should be made to commence construction in the spring of 1952 on the Yellow River–Yushu highway. (3) Surveying should be initiated forthwith, section by section, for the Yushu–Nangqian route and for the route from Dunhuang via Qaidam, the Tanggula Pass, and Heihe to Lhasa.

[2] Nie refers to Nie Rongzhen, who at that time served as Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

[3] Chen Yun was then Vice Premier of the Government Administration Council and Director of the Financial and Economic Commission.