--- Notes



Commentary on Nie Rongzhen’s Report on Domestic Epidemic Prevention Work [1] (March 9, 1952) Returned to the Nie Office. Very good; carry out as instructed. Immediate action should be taken to implement epidemic prevention measures in the Beijing–Tianjin area. Mao Zedong, March 9. Printed from the manuscript.

Refers to a report dated March 7, 1952, by Nie Rongzhen, Acting Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army, addressed to Zhou Enlai and also submitted to Mao Zedong et al., concerning domestic epidemic prevention work. The report states that, in light of the recent escalation of the enemy’s bacterial warfare, relevant comrades had been convened to discuss domestic epidemic prevention efforts. It was determined that early decisions were needed on the following four matters: First, now that Northeast China has been designated an epidemic prevention zone, North China—particularly the Beijing–Tianjin region—has become a surveillance zone. Moreover, given that we are currently in the period following the Awakening of Insects, leadership over epidemic prevention must be strengthened. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a Central Epidemic Prevention Committee to make timely decisions on pertinent issues. Ideally, Premier Zhou Enlai should preside over this committee. Second, Beijing and Tianjin should promptly carry out mass vaccination campaigns and vigorously launch a nationwide campaign for public sanitation and hygiene. Third, epidemic prevention in railway transportation is of paramount importance; a Railway Epidemic Prevention Committee should be set up under the umbrella of the Central Epidemic Prevention Committee. Fourth, preparations for the production of vaccines and medicines should be actively advanced.