To the Party Committee of the Chinese People’s Volunteers: We have received the telegraph from the 39th Army dated February 16 [1]. It is entirely appropriate that the main force of this army has suspended the anti-tiger campaign and returned to combat duties. Other front-line units facing similar circumstances should follow suit. The Military Commission February 17 Printed according to Mao Zedong’s manuscript. Notes [1] Refers to the telegraph sent by the Party Committee of the 39th Army to the Party Committee of the Chinese People’s Volunteers and the Corps Party Committee on February 16, 1952, as relayed by the latter. The telegraph stated that starting at 5:30 a.m. today, the enemy launched a fierce artillery barrage along our entire front line, deploying over forty tanks, seemingly preparing for a full-scale offensive. In response, the 115th and 117th Divisions have been ordered to temporarily suspend the anti-tiger campaign and devote all their efforts to repelling the enemy attack.

Reply Approving the Southwest Region’s New Anti-Tiger Plan (February 17, 1952)