Instructions on Reassigning Surplus Troops to Engineering and Land Reclamation Units (I)

(December 30, 1951)

To Zhu, Lin, and Nie [2]:

I hope the number reassigned to engineering units and land reclamation units can reach three hundred thousand to four hundred thousand. This matter shall be discussed with Comrade Zhou [3] after he recovers from his illness and with comrades from the Central Financial and Economic Commission, and then further decided upon. If it can be accomplished, the benefits will be immense. I agree with the rest.

Mao Zedong
December 30

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[1] This instruction was written on the report submitted by Nie Rongzhen, Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, to Mao Zedong on December 29, 1951, regarding the reassignment plan for surplus troops and organizations.
[2] Zhu refers to Zhu De. Lin refers to Lin Biao, then Vice Chairman of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission. Nie refers to Nie Rongzhen.
[3] Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai.