(June 11, 1951)

Comrade Dehuai:

(1) The telegram you sent to Comrade Kim Ung on June 4 at 20:00 hours is an excellent directive. With this directive in place, the draft directive you prepared on May 31 for Kim Ung need not be issued. (2) It has been agreed with Comrade Kim Il Sung that no large-scale counteroffensive campaigns will be conducted in the next two months, and preparations will be made to launch a secure and steady counteroffensive in August. (3) During June and July, provided no unexpected changes occur (i.e., landings), we must accomplish the following tasks: A. By means of active defense, firmly hold the three defensive lines of Chorwon, Pyonggang, and Ichon, preventing the enemy from advancing beyond the Ichon line; B. Rapidly replenish the 3rd Army Group and the 19th Army Group to 45,000 men per army, with adequate training; C. Complete the rest and reorganization of all armies of the 13th Army Group; D. Strengthen the firepower of all armies and divisions, especially anti-tank and anti-aircraft artillery; E. Rapidly repair and open to traffic at least one, and preferably two, highways from Huichon via Nyongwon to Tokchon, and stockpile a considerable quantity of grain in the Huichon, Tokchon, and Maengsan areas for emergency use. Let me know your views.

Mao Zedong
June 11, 4:00 hours

[I]
Refers to the telegram sent by Peng Dehuai at 20:00 hours on June 4, 1951, to Kim Ung, frontline commander of the Korean People's Army. The telegram stated: "Although the enemy's advance on all fronts has been checked, it is estimated that the enemy will still push forward desperately. In order to shorten our supply and transport lines, gain time to prepare for a counteroffensive, and increase the enemy's difficulties while weakening their combat strength, it is advantageous for our forces in the eastern sector to withdraw and contract the front somewhat further. Therefore, it is necessary to mobilize the Party, government, and people in this area to persist in the struggle against the enemy and find ways to coordinate with our forces' frontal blocking actions, so as to gradually wear down and exhaust the enemy."