Comments on Kotov’s [1] Report Concerning Aviation Accidents in the Air Force
(September 2, 1952)
I fully concur with these proposals [2]. They are to be implemented under the direction of General Nie [3], Chief of the General Staff.
Mao Zedong
September 2, 1952
[1]
Kotov was a Soviet expert who at that time served as Deputy Chief Military Advisor to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
[2]
In his report dated August 27, 1952, addressed to Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Peng Dehuai, Kotov outlined the grave situation of aviation accidents that had occurred in the Chinese Air Force from January 1 to August 1, 1952. He analyzed the root causes of these accidents and put forward 12 specific recommendations aimed at eliminating such incidents, including standardizing the understanding of flight safety among cadres at all levels, strengthening military and flight discipline, and ensuring that those responsible for accidents received appropriate disciplinary action.
[3]
Nie refers to Nie Rongzhen, who at the time was Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.