According to the source, Mao Shenpin was a classmate of Mao Zedong’ s.

My dear friend Shenpin:'
I have received your two letters and am very gratified. I apologize for the
hat, owing to other business, I have been late in responding. I am very
fact saddened to be reminded of the sacrifice that my good friend Qinming
ms for the revolution;” and yet it is also an honorable and glorious thing.
I at letters you] described some shortcomings in the cadres’ work; indeed
[In y are many such cases all over, and we are redoubling our efforts to
arm and rectify them, and hope that things will be improved. I greatly
* sve of the idea of having you come out and take up some responsibility
fin government work]. The most appropriate procedure seems to be for you to
demonstrate support for the interests of the masses, and when you have gained
the respect of the people, you will very naturally join the government. It
would not be appropriate for me to make a recommendation; that could affect
your reputation adversely. Don’t you think so? At your convenience, I shall
be grateful to learn more of what you are doing.
Best wishes for your health and progress.
Mao Zedong
April 18, 1950

Notes

1. See text Nov. 17, 1949, note 2.
2. According to the source, this refers to Mao Shenpin’s elder brother Mao Qinming, who was
also at one time Mao Zedong’s schoolmate and who died in 1928 as a martyr of the revolution.