Letter to Liu Shaoqi Concerning Revisions to the Speech Draft for the Rally Celebrating International Labour Day (April 29, 1950)  Comrade Shaoqi: The report [1] has been slightly revised and has been sent to Enlai for review; it will be returned to you thereafter.
Chen Yun [2], who is on leave, is not reading documents at present, so it was not submitted to him.
The main points of revision are as follows: Do not say “This year is the last year of difficulty,” because there will be difficulties in the coming years as well, and they will still be quite serious—though they will diminish year by year.
Other passages stating that the difficulties “will soon pass” have all been deleted.
The section citing Northeast China as an example has been merged into the preceding paragraph.
The section on the international situation has been made more tactful.
The passage explaining the policy toward rich peasants was deemed redundant and will be addressed at a later date.
The section on correcting commandism has been broadened and does not place undue emphasis on financial and economic cadres.
One slogan has been added [3]. If time permits, please have the text typeset immediately after your speech, send me a proof copy for another review, and then proceed with publication. … Mao Zedong, 5:00 a.m., April 29, printed from the manuscript.
Notes [1] Refers to Liu Shaoqi’s speech draft delivered at the Beijing rally of cadres celebrating International Labour Day on April 29, 1950. [2] Chen Yun was then a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. [3] The added slogan reads: Long live the unity and cooperation of all ethnic groups, all democratic classes, all democratic parties, and all people’s organizations throughout China!