Strive to Avoid Undermining Things That Should Not Be Undermined During the Period of Transition

(April 16, 1950)

Your telegram of the 15th has been received. It is very good and gratifying that the tax and unemployment issues can be resolved according to correct principles, with the agreement of all parties and carried out properly and prudently. At present, we are in a tense period of transition. Strive to ensure that this transition proceeds as smoothly as possible. As for things that should not be undermined, strive not to undermine them, or undermine them as little as possible. If you grasp this point, you can reduce resistance and gain the initiative. Regarding the proceedings of the conference, please keep us informed by telegram at any time.

Mao Zedong
22:00, April 16

[1] Chen Yi (1901–1972), a native of Lezhi, Sichuan. At the time, he served as First Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Mayor of Shanghai.
[2] This refers to the Third Shanghai Municipal Conference of Representatives from All Circles, which was then in session. The conference began on April 15, 1950, and concluded on April 23.