Commentary on the Draft Directive (I)
(August 10, 1954)
Comrade Shaoqi:
This document, dated the 12th, together with the PLA General Staff’s operational plan, should be discussed and approved at a Politburo meeting.
Mao Zedong
August 10th
[1] This is a note written by Mao Zedong to Liu Shaoqi on the draft directive of the General Political Department of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission of the Central People’s Government, dated August 5, 1954, concerning the strengthening of political work in operations against Chiang Kai-shek’s forces.
[2]
Refers to the draft directive issued by the General Political Department of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission of the Central People’s Government. The draft states: Recently, the United States has openly proclaimed its intention to conclude a “bilateral mutual security treaty” with the remnants of Chiang Kai-shek’s bandit clique. The entire army must remain highly vigilant and take this matter very seriously. It must recognize that the recovery of Taiwan is a sacred mission of the people of the whole country, particularly of our People’s Liberation Army. In order to fulfill this sacred mission, the political work of our armed forces must:
(1) Carry out extensive and thorough political mobilization throughout the army in preparation for the recovery of Taiwan.
(2) Strengthen political work among coastal troops to ensure their victory in combat against the enemy.
(3) Intensify political work related to air defense in coastal cities and bases.
(4) Launch a powerful political offensive against Chiang’s forces, combining it with military action to disintegrate and annihilate the enemy.
(5) Enhance education on foreign policy and international law within the troops.
(6) Party committees and political organs at all levels should strengthen their leadership over the naval and border defense forces.