Worth Serious Consideration
(August 21, 1951)

Comrade Dehuai, and inform Gao:

What is your opinion on Comrade Deng Hua’s August 18 telegram regarding the operational plan in item C? Deng Hua states: “Militarily, we should make preparations. Even if we do not launch a campaign-level counteroffensive at present, we should, as far as possible, carry out tactical counterattacks, recover some areas, push forward the line of contact, and gain a better understanding of the enemy’s positions and their degree of fortification.” I believe this opinion is worth serious consideration. Please plan whether such tactical counterattacks can be conducted in September, how they should be carried out, how many troops will be required, what the chances of victory are, and what the enemy’s reaction will be. Please consider these points and telegraph your reply.

Mao Zedong
August 21

[1]
Dehuai, i.e., Peng Dehuai, then serving as Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.
[2]
Gao, refers to Gao Gang, then serving as Commander and Political Commissar of the Northeast Military Region.
[3]
Deng Hua, then serving as Deputy Commander and Deputy Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.