Comments on the Composition of Our Delegation for Talks with Vietnam [1] (October 16, 1955) To Liu, Zhou, Zhu, and Xiaoping [2]: Please review and then return to Comrade Peng Dehuai.
It has been agreed with Peng that Comrades Peng Dehuai, Chen Geng, and Wei Guoqing [3] should form our delegation; this arrangement would be most appropriate, and there is no need for too many participants.
Comrade Su Yu [4], being ill, may also not take part.
Peng will serve as the head of the delegation, with Chen as his deputy.
Mao Zedong October 16 Based on the manuscript.
Notes [1] These comments were written on a report dated October 12, 1955, from Vice Premier of the State Council and Minister of National Defense Peng Dehuai to Mao Zedong concerning the composition of our delegation for talks with the Vietnamese delegation. [2] Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi.
Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai.
Zhu refers to Zhu De.
Xiaoping is Deng Xiaoping, who at the time held the posts of Secretary-General of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council. [3] Chen Geng was at the time Deputy Chief of Staff of the People’s Liberation Army.
Wei Guoqing was then head of the Chinese Military Advisory Group in Vietnam. [4] Su Yu was at the time Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army.