Comments on the Development of the Panzhihua Iron Mine and the Western Hubei Iron Mine
(January 1965)

Agree with the Premier’s opinion. Mao.

[1]
This comment is written on a printed document containing the opinions of Li Fuchun, Vice Premier of the State Council and Director of the State Planning Commission, dated December 31, 1964, and Luo Ruiqing, Vice Premier of the State Council and Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army, dated January 2, 1965, regarding the development of the Panzhihua Iron Mine and the Western Hubei Iron Mine. Li Fuchun submitted the State Planning Commission’s briefing of December 30, 1964, on the iron ore resource situation in the Western Hubei region for review by Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Peng Zhen, Bo Yibo, Chen Boda, Luo Ruiqing, and Yu Qiuli, and added his own opinion: “Judging from the situation of the Western Hubei Iron Mine, a question has been raised before us, namely, both the Panzhihua Iron Mine and the Western Hubei Iron Mine need to be developed, but which one should take precedence and be expedited is well worth studying. The Ministry of Metallurgical Industry has now been instructed to actively gather further information, carry out preparatory work before development, and then make a comprehensive comparison.”

[2]
Premier Zhou Enlai’s opinion, written on this printed document on January 7, 1965, was: “The strategic policy for developing Panzhihua was decided long ago; the mistake lay in delaying the campaign deployment. Now that the first campaign of the Southwest Third Front has already begun, there should be no further vacillation. The development of the Western Hubei Iron Mine should be linked with the Western Henan Iron Mine, Western Hunan, and the industries of Wuhan, forming a separate strategic unit or front for exploration and deployment. It should not be compared with the development of Panzhihua. I propose that Wang Renzhong take command of this strategic front, with one person drawn from the Planning Commission and the Economic Commission to serve as deputy. As for the rest, I agree with the opinions of Luo, Yu, and Bo.” Luo Ruiqing’s opinion was: “If both can be carried out simultaneously, that would be ideal, but if there are difficulties, Panzhihua must be developed first. Even if simultaneous development requires a sequence, Panzhihua should still be given top priority. This is a major strategic issue and must not be changed again, nor should it be delayed by any further influences.” Yu Qiuli’s opinion was: “Overall, I believe Panzhihua must be placed first. Even if conditions in Western Hubei are somewhat better, it is estimated that deployment can still be arranged. I plan to promptly convene relevant comrades to study this issue.” Bo Yibo’s opinion was: “Every effort should be made to develop Panzhihua and Changyang simultaneously. Mines and railways should also be developed simultaneously. The mines and railways in the Panzhihua area have already been deployed and should be actively advanced.”