October 5, 1958
Letter, Mao Zedong to Huang Kecheng and Peng Dehuai
This document was made possible with support from Chun & Jane Chiu Family Foundation
[...]
Comrades [Peng] Dehuai and [Huang] Kecheng:
Our batteries should not fire a single shell on 6 and 7 October, even if there are American airplanes and ships escorts. If the enemy bombs us, our forces should still not return fire. [We should] cease our activities, lie low, and wait and see for two days. Then, we will know what to do. Although the air force must carry on our defense, the airplanes should not fly off the coast. One more thing: do not issue any public statement during these two days because we need to wait and see clearly how the situation will develop. Please carry out the above order immediately. Or [you can] pass this letter [as an order] to Ye Fei and Han Xianchu.
Mao Zedong
8:00 A.M., 5 October [1958]
P.S.: After you have handled this letter, please convey it to the Premier [Zhou Enlai].
[...]
Mao sends instructions for a temporary cease to the shelling of Jinmen Island.
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