Telegram on the Question of Establishing Diplomatic Relations with Burma and Other Issues
(December 19, 1949)

Comrades Shaoqi and Enlai:

(1) Regarding the question of the Burmese government’s request to establish diplomatic relations, a reply telegram should be sent inquiring whether that government is willing to sever diplomatic relations with the Kuomintang. At the same time, that government should be requested to send a responsible representative to Beijing to discuss the establishment of Sino-Burmese diplomatic relations, with the establishment of diplomatic relations to be determined based on the outcome of the discussions. Such negotiation procedures are absolutely necessary and should be applied to all capitalist countries. If certain capitalist countries publicly announce the establishment of diplomatic relations with us, we should also send a telegram to those countries requesting them to send representatives to China to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations. At the same time, the gist of the telegram may be publicly released as news. In this way, the initiative remains in our hands. What is your opinion on this?

(2) Your handling of Lu Han, Liu Wenhui, and Deng Xihou[1] is appropriate.

(3) Yesterday, I sent a telegram in reply to Lin Biao, which I trust you have received.

(4) What are the domestic and international reactions to my visit to the Soviet Union? Please ask Qiaomu to compile a summary and report.

(5) We are all well here. We will rest for a few days while awaiting your response to my telegram of the 18th.

Mao Zedong
December 19

[1] Lu Han, a former general of the Kuomintang government forces, led his troops in an uprising in Kunming on December 9, 1949. Liu Wenhui and Deng Xihou, former generals of the Kuomintang government forces, led their troops in an uprising in Xikang, Sichuan, on December 9, 1949.

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