Telegram on the Thirty-Seventh Anniversary of the Founding of the Army
(February 21, 1955)

Comrade K. Ye. Voroshilov, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
Comrade N. A. Bulganin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
Comrade V. M. Molotov, First Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

On the occasion of the thirty-seventh anniversary of the founding of the Soviet Army, please accept our warm congratulations.

The glorious Soviet Army, with its invincible might, destroyed the fascist forces during the Second World War, defended European and world civilization, and made immeasurable contributions to the cause of human progress. Now, at a time when the imperialist war blocs are intensifying international tensions, preparing for atomic war, engaging in war provocations, and gravely threatening world peace, the powerful and long-tested Soviet Army is an invincible force safeguarding world peace.

The Soviet troops stationed at the Lüshunkou naval base under the Sino-Soviet agreement have, over the past five years, played a major role in the cause of preserving peace and security in the Far East and the world, and have given strong support to the socialist construction cause of the Chinese people. Now, as they are about to withdraw from the Lüshunkou naval base in accordance with the October 1954 Sino-Soviet Joint Communiqué, we hereby express, on behalf of the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, our heartfelt gratitude to the Soviet Government, the great Soviet people, and their army.

May the Soviet Army achieve still more brilliant successes in strengthening the national defense of its motherland and in safeguarding world peace and security.

Mao Zedong
Chairman of the People’s Republic of China

Liu Shaoqi
Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China

Zhou Enlai
Premier of the State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China

Beijing, February 21, 1955