Commentary on Zhou Enlai’s Views on Resolving the Standstill of Official Business During the Three-Anti Campaign (February 16, 1952)

Premier Zhou: I am in full agreement with your views [1]. Please make the necessary adjustments without delay. Mao Zedong, 2:00 a.m. on February 16, printed from the manuscript.

Notes [ ] Refers to Zhou Enlai’s letter of February 15, 1952, addressed to Mao Zedong, in which he set forth his views on resolving the problem of the standstill of official business during the Three-Anti Campaign. The letter states that following today’s State Council meeting, he had discussed with Chen Yun and Bo Yibo the issue of the business stagnation caused by the Three-Anti struggle, noting that the time had come to address it. Judging from the situation at the central level, it is entirely feasible to assign one-third or one-quarter of the leading cadres at all levels in each organ to devote themselves exclusively to routine administrative work, without thereby undermining the “tiger-hunting” campaign. Moreover, the work of various departments cannot proceed without the oversight of responsible comrades. The letter further observes that, in order to maintain the normal functioning of economic life, the measures outlined in the Chairman’s telegram to the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee constitute the principal approach; at the same time, the resumption of official business within the organs represents another crucial aspect that must be tackled. Without this second element, the problem will remain unresolved. Such arrangements can be put into effect immediately in the central organs and those in Beijing and Tianjin, and no later than March 1 throughout the country.