Regarding the Comment on Xu Xiangqian Being Relieved of His Concurrent Post as Deputy Commander of the North China Military Region

Seek Comrade Xiangqian’s agreement. If Xiangqian agrees, it can be handled this way.

Mao Zedong
November 1

Comrade Xiangqian:
When we met last time, I said I could have some reports copied for you to read. Later, I felt it would be better for you to rest quietly and not read telegrams, so I did not ask the Confidential Office to copy them for you.

Mao Zedong
November 12

Xu Xiangqian was then serving as Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and concurrently as Deputy Commander of the North China Military Region, but was recuperating due to illness.

These are two comments written by Mao Zedong on a request for instructions submitted by Nie Rongzhen, Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, to Mao Zedong, with copies to Liu Shaoqi, Zhu De, and Zhou Enlai, dated November 1, 1951. Nie Rongzhen’s letter stated: “To strengthen the work of the North China Military Region, it is proposed that Yang Chengwu be appointed Deputy Commander of the North China Military Region, and that Comrade Xu Xiangqian be relieved of his concurrent post as Deputy Commander of the North China Military Region.”