Comments on the Report Concerning the Inspection of the Northwest Military Region〔1〕 (December 6, 1952) Comrades Nie Rongzhen and Zhang Zongxun〔2〕: The inspection method adopted in the Northwest Military Region is very good. Are all the military regions currently conducting inspections? Henceforth, inspections should be carried out once or twice a year, to be established as a regular system. Mao Zedong December 6 Based on the manuscript print. Notes 〔〕 Inspection refers to the inventory and examination of troops’ personnel, equipment, supplies, and other resources. Its purpose is to ascertain the unit’s strength and compliance with regulations, thereby promoting improved administrative management and the further implementation of combat readiness measures. In its report dated December 1, 1952, on inspection work within the troops, the Northwest Military Region listed a number of serious problems uncovered during the inspection: First, some personnel exhibited a grave tendency toward complacency and麻痹; certain cadres employed a one-sided approach to their work, prioritizing cultural study while neglecting administrative management, resulting in low morale and a weak sense of combat readiness. Second, discipline was lax, military order had broken down, and there were instances of superiors beating or verbally abusing subordinates, as well as insubordination, quarrels, and fights among ranks. Third, there was widespread damage to, loss of, and careless handling of weapons, ammunition, and public property. Fourth, deficiencies existed in medical care for personnel and in the maintenance of horses. Fifth, in some units

records were not properly registered and stored, leading to the loss of documents. Sixth, familiarity with regulations was extremely poor, military proficiency was low, and responsibilities were unclear. The report also noted that, during this inspection, several units and individuals were found to be exemplary. 〔2〕 Nie Rongzhen was then acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Zhang Zongxun was then Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.