Comments on a Comprehensive Report
(September 20, 1950)
Zhou, Chen Yun, Bo Yibo, Liu, Zhu, Ren [1]:
I believe the opinion of the North China Bureau [2] is correct. Request Chen and Bo immediately convene relevant personnel for meetings based on the items raised by the North China Bureau, draft a concrete plan, report once to the Central Committee within a few days, and promptly proceed with implementation. This matter is extremely important and must not be long delayed or left unresolved.

Mao Zedong
September 20

[1]
Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Chen Yun, then served as Vice Premier of the Government Administration Council and concurrently Director of the Financial and Economic Committee. Bo Yibo, then served as Deputy Director of the Financial and Economic Committee of the Government Administration Council. Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhu refers to Zhu De. Ren refers to Ren Bishi.

[2]
Refers to the opinions put forward in the comprehensive report on the industrial and agricultural situation and opinions in North China, submitted by Bo Yibo and Liu Lantao to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee on September 19, 1950, regarding the resolution of the ever-widening price scissors between industrial and agricultural products in North China. These opinions were:
(1) Take appropriate steps to halt the continued decline in agricultural product prices. State-operated stores should vigorously purchase grain and cotton at listed prices higher than market prices, mobilize cooperatives at all levels and private merchants to purchase grain and cotton in a planned manner; while purchasing large quantities of agricultural products, industrial goods should be organized for distribution to the countryside, correspondingly fulfilling the task of withdrawing currency from circulation. (2) Appropriately reduce the prices of certain industrial goods. In addition to actively improving factory management and operations, overcoming waste and loss, so as to reduce industrial costs, state-operated stores should improve their operational methods, reduce circulation links, and implement the policy of small profits but quick turnover in industry and commerce, accelerating the circulation of goods and capital.