Telegram on Collecting Information about Our Sick and Wounded Personnel
in Enemy POW Camps
(May 4, 1953)

Comrade Li Kenong,[1] and Premier Kim, Commander Peng[2]

Your telegram and bulletin of 00:30 on May 4 have been read. We agree with all the points and the draft statement raised in your incoming telegram. Your bulletin of 16:40 on May 3 states that, according to repatriated prisoners, there are still large numbers of our sick and wounded personnel in the enemy’s Camp No. 8 on Jeju Island. In view of the fact that Camp No. 8 is a camp of prisoners who insist on repatriation, it is hoped that you will immediately conduct a detailed investigation into this report by the repatriated prisoners, collect evidence and materials, so as to be prepared to counterattack the enemy when necessary.

Mao Zedong
May 4, 05:00

(1]
Li Kenong, then serving as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central People’s Government, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Chinese People’s Volunteers Delegation to the Korean Armistice Negotiations.
(2]
Premier Kim refers to Kim Il-sung, Premier of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Commander Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.