Commentary on Chen Yi’s Report [1] Concerning the East China Military Region’s Campaign to Streamline and Practice Economy While Combating Corruption and Wastefulness (December 15, 1951) Comrade Chen Yi, with copy to all Major Military Regions, the Chinese People’s Volunteers, the Central Bureaus, the various departments of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, and the Party Groups of the Central People’s Government: Your report of December 12 [2] has been received. I find the principles and measures you set forth in this report entirely correct, and I urge that they be implemented without delay. Please also circulate this report to the Major Military Regions for their reference. Mao Zedong December 15

Printed from the manuscript. Notes [1] Chen Yi was at the time Second Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau and Commander of the East China Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army. [2] Refers to Chen Yi’s report dated December 12, 1951, addressed to Mao Zedong, the CMC, and the East China Bureau, concerning streamlining and economizing within the East China forces and combating waste. The report states that the East China Military Region has decided, by March 1952, to make the reorganization of units, the proper implementation of demobilization and resettlement work, and the resumption of production by discharged personnel the primary focus; at the same time, launching a campaign against corruption and waste will also be designated as a central task. These two efforts are to be pursued both in tandem and separately. Prior to March, the emphasis on economy will lie in strictly enforcing supply standards and financial regulations, halting all unnecessary construction projects, and rigorously prohibiting all forms of entertaining and gift-giving. Any instances of corruption or wastefulness that have already been uncovered are to be dealt with severely, and preliminary education on thrift is to be carried out throughout the army in conjunction with the reorganization drive. As for a mass movement against corruption and waste, it is planned to launch this after March, in connection with the party rectification campaign.