Telegram to Chen Pixian [1] Regarding the Investigation into Grain Collection in Chuansha and Two Other Counties (May 19, 1950)

RAO [2] forwards to Comrade Chen Pixian:   (1) We have received Chan’s report [3]. Thank you. It has been passed on to Huang Yanpei [4] so that he may understand the situation.   (2) We still request that you dispatch a special representative (or go yourself) to conduct an investigation into the conditions in the three counties of Chuansha, Nanhui, and Fengxian, and to provide a thorough and fact-based response to Huang Yanpei’s remarks concerning the inability of farmers to continue farming due to grain collection, among other matters.

Mao Zedong, May 19th. Printed from the manuscript.

Notes  [1] Chen Pixian was at the time Secretary of the CCP Sub-Regional Committee for Southern Jiangsu.  [2] Rao refers to Rao Shushi, who at the time served as First Secretary of the East China Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.  [3] This refers to the comprehensive report for March and April submitted by the CCP Sub-Regional Committee for Southern Jiangsu to Mao Zedong on May 15, 1950. The report discussed the recent stagnation of goods sales, contraction of production, closure of numerous private industrial and commercial enterprises, and widespread unemployment among workers in the cities of Southern Jiangsu, as well as the measures taken in response. It also covered the steps undertaken to assist more than 400,000 disaster-stricken people in the rural areas of Southern Jiangsu in securing food rations, seeds, and fertilizer.  [4] Huang Yanpei was a leading figure in the China Association for Promoting Democracy. At the time, he held the positions of Member of the Central People’s Government and Vice Premier of the Administrative Council.