Telegram on Appointing Zhang Wentian as Chief Representative of the Chinese Delegation to the United Nations
(January 18, 1950)

Comrade Shaoqi:

(1) This afternoon at 4:30, I spoke by telephone with Enlai (he has already arrived in Sverdlovsk and will reach Moscow by 5 p.m. on the 20th). I feel that Zhang Hanfu[1] is somewhat lacking in prestige and qualifications; he may serve as deputy. It is more appropriate for Luofu[2] to serve as the chief representative of the Chinese delegation to the United Nations. A telegram to the United Nations has now been drafted.[3] If the Central Committee agrees, please issue it tomorrow, the 19th, and publish it openly.
(2) According to Enlai, Gao Gang and Fuchun[4] both believe that Luofu can serve as a diplomatic representative, though Luofu’s personal consent has not been sought in advance. Please send a telegram to Luofu at the same time as the announcement, explaining that due to time constraints, there was no opportunity to seek his consent, and ask for his understanding. The time of his departure for the United Nations will be notified by a separate telegram.
(3) The Government Council may complete the appointment procedures at its sixth meeting in the future. If you deem it necessary, you may convene the vice-chairmen of the government and various...

Mao Zedong
January 18

[1] Zhang Hanfu was then Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central People’s Government.
[2] Luofu, i.e., Zhang Wentian, was then a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a standing committee member of the Northeast Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
[3] Refers to the “Telegram to the United Nations on Restoring the Legitimate Rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and the Security Council.”
[4] Gao Gang was then Secretary of the Northeast Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Fuchun, i.e., Li Fuchun, was then Deputy Secretary of the Northeast Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.