To the Central-South Bureau, all Central Bureaus, Military Regions, and the Chinese People’s Volunteers: (1) We have received the Central-South Bureau’s new anti-tiger plan dated February 13. This new plan—eight thousand big tigers and over forty-two thousand small tigers—raises the level of the anti-tiger campaign across the major administrative regions of the country to its highest point thus far, bringing it closer to reality than any previous plans. All Central Bureaus are requested to review and revise their own plans accordingly when the time is right. (2) The Central-South Bureau has boldly extended the duration of the Three-Anti Campaign into four phases, spanning more than six months, to be carried out in conjunction with other ongoing tasks. For the entire administrative region, including the three-tiered campaign at county, district, and township levels, particularly in areas where land reform has not yet been completed, this approach may be acceptable; indeed, it might be the only way to achieve thorough results. Each Central Bureau should consider whether such arrangements are suitable for its own jurisdiction. However, in large cities, major industrial and mining areas, the railway transport system, the state-owned trade network, and the tax administration, the core work of the campaign must be substantially completed within two to two-and-a-half months after its official launch; otherwise, it will negatively affect the economy. Moreover, during the peak phase of the campaign, a dedicated group of capable cadres must be assigned to oversee routine operations, ensuring that normal economic activities—production, transportation, finance, and trade—do not come to a standstill. Approximately one to one-and-a-half months after the formal commencement of the anti-tiger campaign locally, the number of cadres responsible for day-to-day leadership should be gradually increased. This is of great importance; all comrades are urged to take note. Mao Zedong February 17 Printed from the manuscript.

Telegraph from the Military Commission Approving the Main Force of the 39th Army of the Chinese People’s Volunteers to Halt the Anti-Tiger Campaign and Resume Combat Operations (February 17, 1952)