Mao Zedong’s Letter Defending Himself
(December 3, 1920)
To the Esteemed Director Tang:
Yesterday, I received notification inviting me to meet with you and Chief Officer He of your department. The communication indicated that your office had received a report alleging that I had recently gathered representatives of various organizations at the library, planned to incite a military uprising, and intended to destroy the provincial legislature. The signatories included Cao Renwang, Fuxinglong, Jianxunwang, and Renwang—four individuals. Upon investigation, I discovered that this accusation closely mirrors a previous incident involving flag-raising, wherein someone, motivated by personal grievances (the details of which have already been explained to Chief Officer He and can be verified), seized the opportunity to falsely implicate me. This latest claim alleges that I was plotting to dismantle the provincial legislature. It is worth noting that I have been diligently engaged in teaching and scholarly pursuits, and I have no interest in participating in such frivolous or malicious activities. However, regarding the issue of Hunan’s autonomy, I have consistently maintained that it pertains to matters of life, death, honor, and disgrace for the people of Hunan, and I have actively supported its promotion both theoretically and practically. The so-called constitutional proposal was entirely transparent and contained no secret elements. Nevertheless, certain individuals, perhaps due to confusion or misguided intentions, have conflated this proposal with the Double Tenth Day parade. Those who harbor resentment toward me have taken advantage of minor setbacks to fabricate accusations. This is not the first instance; it has occurred multiple times. As someone who bears responsibility for my actions, I hereby solemnly declare the following two statements:
1. Concerning the constitutional issue for Hunan, my dissatisfaction with the provincial legislature is genuine.
2. The claims of flag-raising and attempts to destroy the legislature are entirely false.
My dissatisfaction with the provincial legislature stems from legitimate reasons, which I am prepared to articulate directly to its members. As for the fabricated allegations of flag-raising and sabotage, they simply did not occur. Regrettably, recent trends reveal a troubling increase in deceitful rumors and irresponsible slander, accompanied by a reluctance to confront others openly and honestly. Given your department’s mandate to uphold discipline, combat corruption, and hold wrongdoers accountable, I earnestly request that you swiftly investigate and prosecute those responsible for these baseless accusations, thereby serving as a deterrent to future misconduct. Furthermore, as a free citizen of New Hunan, I am protected by law against any infringement upon my person or reputation. Since these perpetrators have already resorted to such tactics twice, there is little guarantee that they will refrain from repeating their actions or escalating their demands. I humbly urge your department to enforce strict regulations to safeguard peace and justice—not only for me, but for all citizens.
Respectfully submitted,

Mao Zedong, Principal of the Affiliated Primary School of the First Normal University
December 3rd, Year Nine

Mao Zedong’s Letter Defending Himself
Mao’s Letter of Defense
Society often gives Mao situation. Mao君作
special, text below.
Door day celebration piece
Food seam number.
Five, hot
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Renwang Ren four people said. Check write parliament
Have entered because reason already floated to Heke. Special
Treasure sea east urgently
Enrollment
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I follow work
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Text. Or change aspect. Want route. Fragrance type about west segment police
Except county safe. Not only get one person calm. Public
Year nine December three day