Comment on the Question of Relocating the Sites of the Tractor Factory and the Mining Machinery Factory [1] (September 28, 1953) To Liu, Zhou, Zhu, Chen, and Deng [2]: Please review and return to Comrade Li Fuchun for handling.
I agree that the new site should be in the Zhengzhou area.
With regard to military matters, barracks are to be constructed in Luoyang; care should also be taken to protect the historical relics.
Mao Zedong September 28 Printed from the manuscript.
Notes [1] This comment was written on a report dated September 6, 1953, submitted by Gao Gang, Chairman of the State Planning Commission, and Vice Chairmen Li Fuchun and Jia Tuofu, to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee, concerning the sites of the tractor factory and the mining machinery factory.
The report stated that the tractor factory and the mining machinery factory, both designed with Soviet assistance, had previously been decided by the Central Committee to be located in Luoyang.
However, following an on-site investigation conducted by personnel from the First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry, it was reported that Luoyang is an area rife with ancient tombs and burial grounds, and that during the civil war warlords and bandits had dug numerous tunnels, pits, and underground storerooms there.
Consequently, the geological conditions would be highly unfavorable for constructing factory foundations, making the site unsuitable for industrial development.
After convening relevant departments for discussion, Qian Junrui, Vice Minister of Culture, likewise concluded that the area constitutes an extremely important archaeological site requiring protection.
He therefore recommended selecting an alternative site near Zhengzhou.
Later, due to high water tables and severe sandstorms in Zhengzhou, the decision was ultimately made to proceed with site selection in Luoyang.
On February 20, 1954… 3£´

On the 2nd day, the State Planning Commission issued a document formally deciding to build the tractor factory on the western bank of the Jian River in Luoyang City. [2] Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi.
Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai.
Zhu refers to Zhu De.
Chen refers to Chen Yun, who at the time served as a Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the Government Administration Council, and Director of the Financial and Economic Commission.
Deng refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at the time was a Vice Premier of the Government Administration Council.