2

SPEECHES DELIVERED AT THE MEETING OF NON-PARTY DELEGATES ON DECEMBER 26
Comrades! Since we have decided to continue our discussion—and I believe there is no doubt in this regard—I would simply like to say that, now that it is around half past eight, we can devote ourselves to this gathering until half past nine, or even a bit later. We must select the issue that interests us most. If a comrade here has pointed out that the land question is of particular concern, then I must say: let us allocate our time according to those questions that hold the greatest significance for you. As I see it, my role here is primarily to listen and take notes. Whatever I wished to say, I have already shared with you at the Congress. I am endeavoring to record, by way of each province and each county, what complaints are most frequently voiced. I believe we should arrange our time so that, once the discussion on labor duty has concluded, we can assess which other issues appear most crucial—so that we may also hear from delegates representing various provinces on these matters. My task here is to record as thoroughly as possible, so that we know exactly what the non‑party members have said. To respond to individual questions raised here will still be exceedingly difficult for me, because without proper documentation at hand, I cannot provide an immediate answer right now. That is why I propose that we select the questions deemed most important and, just as we did with the labor duty tax, allow representatives from the localities to speak on these topics—while I, for my part, will meticulously record every statement made from the floor.