On Matters Related to the Armistice That Require Early Preparation [I]
(June 17, 1953)

Comrade Kim Il Sung:

In view of the imminent signing of the Armistice Agreement, certain matters related to the armistice require early preparation. The following suggestions are hereby put forward:

(1) Airfields. According to the Armistice Agreement, a total of five airfields are to be constructed in our zone, namely: Panmunjom, Sinanju, Sinuiju, Hungnam, and Chongjin. For the convenience and speed of engineering preparation, construction, management, and other work, it would be best if the Korean side were responsible for the Hungnam and Chongjin airfields; should difficulties arise, China will provide assistance. China will take primary responsibility for the construction of the Panmunjom, Sinanju, and Sinuiju airfields, and requests Korean assistance. The management organizations for each airfield shall still be jointly formed by comrades from both the Korean and Chinese sides. As for the airfields needed for the return of the Korean Air Force to Korean territory after the armistice, it is proposed that the Chinese Air Force Command, the Combined Air Force Command [2], and the Korean Air Force Command jointly study a plan, submit it for your approval, and then implement it. China will do its utmost to assist with the necessary materials and construction units.

(2) Railways. It is proposed that immediately after the armistice, priority be given to restoring the Sinmak to Kaesong section and the Shingosan to Pyonggang section. Other lines will proceed according to the Korean-Chinese agreement. To meet the work needs of the Armistice Teams and the Neutral Nations Supervisory Teams, it is proposed that China dispatch light-oil locomotives, official cars, soft-seat cars, etc., into Korea for use. The insignia on these vehicles should be changed to Korean insignia. China plans to select and send a group of service personnel to assist on these vehicles.

[1] This is a telegram from Mao Zedong to Kim Il Sung, Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
[2] The Combined Air Force Command is the Joint Headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Air Force and the Korean People's Army Air Force.

Volume 33 of the Complete Works of Mao Zedong

(3) Communications. It is proposed that each Neutral Nations Team be provided with three sets of equipment: wired telephone, radio telephone, and radio station. China will be responsible for allocating the radio stations and radio telephones. For the restoration and construction of wired telephone lines, Comrade Zhang Kai, Director of the Communications Department of the Volunteer Army Headquarters [1], and Comrade Zhang Wendong, Section Chief of the Communications Department of the Chinese Military Commission, have been dispatched to Pyongyang to discuss and arrange matters with the relevant department of the Korean government.

(4) For the construction of housing for Neutral Nations personnel in Kaesong, Panmunjom, and the various ports of entry, if there are difficulties with materials and labor, China can assist in resolving them. China has already made preparations for the dining and lodging utensils and other supplies for the Neutral Nations personnel. It is proposed that Korean comrades take primary responsibility for translators, service personnel, and security personnel, with China selecting and sending a group of personnel to assist.

(5) The cars, drivers, gasoline, and other items required by the Armistice Teams and the various committees of the Neutral Nations can be allocated and provided by China.

If you agree with the above items, our side will proceed with the arrangements. The jurisdictional relationships for each task will be discussed with you in person when Comrade Peng Dehuai [2] comes to Pyongyang. Awaiting your reply regarding the above.

Mao Zedong
June 17, 1953

[1] The Volunteer Army Headquarters refers to the Chinese People's Volunteer Army Headquarters.
[2] Peng Dehuai, then Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.