Commentary on the Xinxiang Prefectural Party Committee’s Experience in “Catching Tigers” (February 27, 1952) This document [1] may be published in a party journal. Mao Zedong, February 27. Printed from the manuscript. Notes [ ] Refers to the Communiqué of the North China Bureau of the CPC Central Committee dated February 26, 1952, concerning the important experience of the Xinxiang Prefectural Party Committee in capturing major corrupt officials (“big tigers”). The communiqué stated that one key lesson learned in this effort was: “It is essential to secure a full and comprehensive confession from the ‘big tiger’ and to verify every detail. In addition to admitting the amount of embezzled funds, he must clearly explain what was done, when it was done, how it was done, with whom he acted, and where the stolen money went and how it was used—topics the ‘big tiger’ fears most—and such statements should be immediately cross-checked. Only in this way can true from false be distinguished, attempts to recant be thwarted, and further submission be compelled; at the same time, new leads can be uncovered, loopholes identified, and the scope of the campaign expanded, thereby laying a solid foundation for proper handling of the case.”