Letter to Xie Juezai[1]

(August 15, 1942)

Regarding the inappropriateness of the slogan "return power to the people," I recall having spoken to you about it. A few days ago, the editorial in Liberation Daily[2] contained phrases such as "official cadres" and "pure commoner representatives," which also have some inappropriateness. I wonder if you wrote that article? Our government truly represents the common people and is of the people. Therefore, we must not speak of "returning power to the people," nor should we make a distinction between "official" and "non-official." The intent of that day's editorial was not bad — it meant to say that newly elected representatives should be allowed to speak more. It is just that it is not appropriate to set up such a contrast between "official" and "pure commoner." Please give this your consideration.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong's letter to Xie Juezai. Xie Juezai was then Deputy Secretary of the Northwest Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Speaker of the Senate of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region.
[2] Refers to the editorial "Welcoming the Second Session of the Second Border Region Senate" published in Liberation Daily on August 12, 1942.