(September 21, 1964)
Read and to be acted upon immediately.
Mao Zedong
September 21
[!]

--- Notes

This note was written on a letter dated September 21, 1964, from Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong. In the letter, Zhou requested prompt approval for a report submitted by Luo Ruiqing, Vice Premier of the State Council and Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army, concerning an upcoming official nuclear test scheduled for October. Zhou stated that the Central Special Committee of Fifteen had held two meetings on the 16th and 17th of this month to discuss the nuclear explosion and related matters. He emphasized the urgent need to report these issues in person to the Chairman upon his return, so that the central leadership could make an early decision—preferably no later than September 24. If it were decided to carry out the test this year, mid-October to early November would be the most suitable period; however, at least twenty days of preparatory time would be required beforehand. On October 16, 1964, China successfully conducted its first nuclear test.