Urgent Telegram on Tiger Hunting
(February 1, 1952)

Comrade Zhang Zongxun,[1] and inform Comrade Xi Zhongxun:[2]

All military sub-districts and armies under the Northwest Military Region must deeply carry out the Three-Antis throughout the entire month of February, with the emphasis on anti-corruption, and especially on tiger hunting. The troops must not be withdrawn and reorganization must not be permitted until all tigers have been captured. Your order for the Third Army to “prepare to postpone the February 6 transfer training” lacks a clear directive to conduct the Three-Antis for the full month of February. Very few corrupt elements have been uncovered across all departments in your region; the hunt for big tigers of over 100 million yuan has not yet been launched, and there is not even a plan in place. You are expected to promptly draw up a budget for tiger hunting and report by telegram, and issue a mobilization order for tiger hunting.

Mao Zedong
February 1

[1] Zhang Zongxun, then serving as First Deputy Commander of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
[2] Xi Zhongxun, then serving as Political Commissar of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.