Commentary by Mao Zedong on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Forwarding Telegram from Zhang Wentian[1] Concerning My Diplomatic Missions’ Work Reports in Eastern Europe (December 13, 1951)

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  I have read this document[2] and find it very good; please proceed with its dispatch as is. It had been lying unattended on my desk for nearly a month, which was my oversight. However, you also bear some responsibility for not following up; only in recent days, upon your urging, did I finally sort through the pile of accumulated papers and review it.

Since Comrade Wu Xiuyuan[3] drafted this document on November 3, the passage stating “Regulations on a unified organizational structure for embassies will be issued shortly” would require textual revision if such regulations have already been promulgated.

Mao Zedong December 13 Based on the manuscript copy.

Notes  [1] Zhang Wentian was at that time China’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union.

[2] Refers to the telegram sent by the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 13, 1951, forwarding Zhang Wentian’s report on several fundamental problems existing in the work of our diplomatic missions in Eastern Europe and on proposed measures for their resolution, to the embassies in the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries, as well as to all party branches there. The telegram stated:  (1) At present, the primary focus of all embassies is gradually shifting toward studying and reporting on the internal situation of the host country and its international relations. The purpose of studying the host country is mainly to learn from its experiences in various fields of construction and in diplomatic work.  (2) In order to strengthen the study of the host country, it is first necessary to fully uphold the spirit of internationalism, to respect and cherish the government and people of the host country, and to learn from them with sincere intent.  (3) Each embassy should systematically and plannedly intensify political education among party members and cadres, conduct criticism and self-criticism, and improve party life. Party branches are to educate members to strive to meet the four standards for diplomatic personnel put forward by Premier Zhou Enlai: maintaining a firm political stance, mastering policy, being proficient in one’s work, and strictly observing discipline.  (4) With regard to the staffing and internal organization of embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently conducting research, and unified regulations on the organizational structure of embassies will be issued shortly. All embassy staff and civil servants have an obligation to first master the language of the host country.

[3] Wu Xiuyuan was at that time Director of the Soviet and Eastern European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.