[Comments on Ma Yinchu’s [1] Letter to Zhou Enlai Concerning the Political Study of Peking University Faculty Members]
(September 11, 1951)

This kind of study is very good. A few comrades may be invited to give lectures. I cannot go.

Mao Zedong
September 11

[1] Ma Yinchu, then President of Peking University.
[2] In a letter to Zhou Enlai dated September 7, 1951, Ma Yinchu stated: “Among the professors of Peking University, there are those with new thinking, such as Vice President Tang Yongtong, Dean of Studies Zhang Jingchun, Deputy Dean of Studies Yang Hui, Secretary-General Zhang Longxiang, and 12 other professors, who, in response to Premier Zhou’s call for ideological remolding, have initiated a political study movement for the faculty members of Peking University. They have decided to earnestly request Chairman Mao, Vice Chairman Liu, Premier Zhou, Commander-in-Chief Zhu, Elder Dong Biwu, Director Chen Yun, Mayor Peng Zhen, Vice Minister Qian Junrui, Deputy Director Lu Dingyi, and Mr. Hu Qiaomu to serve as instructors. They have asked me to write on their behalf to request that you convey this to the above 10 instructors.”