(December 12, 1952)
Deng, Yang:
We have just received the following Special Dispatch No. 21 from our friendly side. Please accord it the gravest attention and step up preparations to repel an enemy landing behind our lines. It is imperative that you accomplish this mission. The months of February and March next year will be a critical period. Our forces should intensify combat preparations during this month and January, with particular emphasis on the Han River, Chongchon River, and Yalu River frontlines.
General Staff Headquarters
December 12
[I]
This is a telegram drafted by Mao Zedong on behalf of the General Staff Headquarters of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission of the Central People’s Government, addressed to Deng Hua, Acting Commander and Acting Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, and to Deputy Commander Yang Dezhi.
[2]
In its Special Dispatch No. 21 dated December 11, 1952, it was stated that the U.S. forces invading Korea intend to launch a large-scale offensive in February 1953, aiming to occupy all of North Korea up to the Yalu River.