Central Reply to Chen Yi’s Telegram [2] Concerning the Appointments of Tan Zhenlin [1] et al.
and the Reorganization of the Military
(June 9, 1952)
Comrade Chen Yi, together with the East China Bureau and the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee:
Your telegram of June 8 (3) has been received. We concur with all your views. Comrade Tan Zhenlin is appointed Vice Chairman of the East China Military and Political Committee and may assume office upon his appointment by the Rao People’s Government. We agree that Comrade Pan Hannian (5) should continue to serve as Secretary of the Party Group of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, while Comrade Fang Yi (6) will be reassigned as Deputy Secretary. We also approve that Comrade Liu Changsheng remain Secretary of the Party Group of the Shanghai General Federation of Trade Unions, with Comrade Zhong Min being appointed Deputy Secretary. Efforts to accelerate and supervise the reorganization and demobilization of the armed forces should be intensified.
Tan Zhenlin, at that time, was acting as Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau by decision of the Central Committee, owing to Rao Shushi’s illness and convalescence.
[2]
Chen Yi, then Second Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau and First Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee.
[3] Refers to Chen Yi’s report dated June 8, 1952, addressed to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee, concerning the appointments of Tan Zhenlin and others, as well as the reorganization and demobilization of the military. The report expressed support for Mao Zedong and the Central Committee’s policy of “fighting, building, and stabilizing simultaneously,” along with their overall work arrangements. However, it noted that the issue of military reorganization had not yet been sufficiently emphasized, suggesting that the Central Committee issue a call and provide stronger supervision following the Three-Anti and Five-Anti Campaigns. It further proposed that during the reorganization, mass layoffs should be avoided, and that demobilized personnel should be encouraged to transition into productive employment.
[4]
Rao refers to Rao Shushi, who at the time held the positions of First Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau and Chairman of the East China Military and Political Committee, but had stepped down to recuperate due to illness.
[5]
Pan Hannian, who at the time served as Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.
[6]
Fang Yi, who at the time was Second Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and Secretary of the Party Group of the Municipal Government.

These views are correct: we must achieve the goal of “providing livelihoods through reemployment and transitioning to production,” while avoiding large-scale layoffs.
The Central Committee
June 9