Commentary on the Instructions by Zhang Zongsun [1] et al. Concerning the Reorganization of the Northwest Military Region (February 10, 1952) Comrades Zhang Zongsun and Pan Zili [2], with copy to Comrade Xi Zhongxun [3] and to the responsible comrades of all Central Bureaus, Major Military Regions, and the Chinese People’s Volunteers: Your directive of February 6, instructing the various units to study the issue of cadre allocation in connection with reorganization [4], is untimely and erroneous. It will only distract leaders at all levels and constitutes a blow to the Three-Anti Campaign. You are hereby ordered to immediately reissue instructions directing all forces to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the Three-Anti Campaign. Discussion of reorganization below is prohibited; first and foremost, you yourselves must refrain from such discussions. The Northwest Military Region system has been the least vigorous and has achieved the fewest results in the Three-Anti Campaign. Not only should the Northwest Military Region, but all military regions throughout the country, devote the entire month of February to the Three-Anti Campaign; it is likely that even March will be required to bring the campaign to a thorough conclusion. Reorganization shall not proceed until the Three-Anti Campaign is completed—this was communicated to you long ago. Why, then, are you so lukewarm about the Three-Anti Campaign, while showing such eagerness for reorganization even before the campaign has reached its peak?

Mao Zedong February 10 Based on the manuscript.

Notes [1] Zhang Zongsun was at the time First Deputy Commander of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. [2] Pan Zili was at the time Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. [3] Xi Zhongxun was at the time Political Commissar of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. [4] In their notice of February 6, 1952, addressed to subordinate units and submitted to the Military Commission, Zhang Zongsun and Pan Zili stated that February would be devoted entirely to the Three-Anti Campaign. To ensure the smooth implementation of troop reorganization in March, and without compromising the Three-Anti work, each unit was to set aside a certain number of cadres after February 20 to conduct studies on cadre allocation for reorganization, in accordance with established staffing quotas. Following deliberation by the Party committees, lists of personnel assigned to positions at or above the regimental level were to be submitted to the Military Region for preliminary review by March 5.