Telegram to Peng Dehuai [1] Regarding the Deployment for the September Campaign (August 1, 1951) Comrade Dehuai, with copy to Gao [2]: (1) The plan to replace one or two armies of the Ninth Corps with the Twentieth Corps is very good; however, it would be more advisable for the main forces of the Ninth Corps to remain as the second-line troops (second echelon) for the September Campaign and not to be moved too far away. (2) The 38th, 39th, and 40th Armies of the 13th Corps should be transferred to the front line in the first ten days of August to actively prepare for the September Campaign, while three to four armies drawn from the Third and Nineteenth Corps are to take over the coastal defense duties. (3) A large number of food and ammunition depots should be constructed at the very front line to stockpile ample supplies for the September Campaign, so that replenishments can be made as needed during operations.
This point is extremely important.
I understand that you are already making preparations, but I am unsure of the current situation. (4) I look forward to your reply on all of the above points.
Mao Zedong August 1 Based on the manuscript.
Notes [1] Peng Dehuai was then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. [2] Gao refers to Gao Gang, who at that time served as Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.