With regard to land reform in these areas, it should be thoroughly completed within two to three years, and haste must be avoided so as not to give rise to numerous unnecessary mistakes. Both land reform and party rectification are highly delicate undertakings. The pace of these two campaigns must be determined by the level of the masses’ consciousness and their degree of organizational development, as well as by the number and strength of the leading cadres. In every village, the resolution of land issues must secure the consent of an overwhelming majority; it must not be imposed by a small minority, lest we fall into the error of commandism. At the same time, any incorrect views that may arise among the masses must be patiently persuaded away, thereby upholding the Party’s leadership and avoiding the mistake of tailism.

(Note) For further information on this directive, please refer to Volume 4 of Selected Works of Mao Zedong, specifically the article “Speech at the Jin-Sui Cadre Conference,” Part I of the main text and Note (1).