Notes on Strengthening Shanghai’s Air Defense Work [1] (February 4 and 9, 1953)  I. To Nie and Huang [2]: In order to defend against a possible attack by the Taiwan bandit air force on the Shanghai area, both the air force and the air defense forces in Shanghai must heighten their vigilance, intensify their reorganization, and be prepared at all times to engage the enemy, thereby ensuring the security of the Shanghai region. To this end, please consult with the Volunteer Army Headquarters and the Air Defense Command [3] to formulate a plan for dealing with the enemy and report back to me without delay. Mao Zedong, February 4 II. Approve this deployment. As for the issue of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition, please Premier Zhou pay attention to it. Mao Zedong, February 9 To Peng, Zhou, Zhu, Liu [4], and Huang Kecheng: For your information; return to Xiao Xiangrong. Printed from the manuscript.

Notes [1] These two notes by Mao Zedong were written as follows: the first was penned on a comprehensive report submitted by the General Staff Department of the People’s Liberation Army to Mao Zedong, the Central Committee, and the Military Commission regarding serious incidents that occurred in the troops during November and December 1952; the second was written on a report dated February 6, 1953, from Xiao Xiangrong, Director of the Office of the Military Commission, to Mao Zedong concerning the strengthening of Shanghai’s air defense. [2] Nie refers to Nie Rongzhen, who at the time served as Acting Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army. Huang refers to Huang Kecheng, who at the time was Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army. [3] The Volunteer Army Headquarters refers to the Command of the Chinese People’s Volunteers. The Air Defense Command refers to the Command of the Air Defense Forces of the People’s Liberation Army. [4] Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, who at the time was Vice Chairman of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Zhu refers to Zhu De. Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi.