Letter to Li Gongren [l]
(September 17, 1952)
Mr. Gongren:
I have duly received your kind letter. The matter you mentioned has been forwarded to Chairman Cheng Songyun (2) for his consideration and disposition. This is to inform you accordingly.
Wishing you continued good health in your teaching,
Mao Zedong
September 17, 1952
Chuan
Li Gongren
(1877–1960), a native of Chunhe Village, Yanglin Township, Shaoshan City, Hunan Province, later moved to Jinshi Town, Xiangxiang City, Hunan. He taught for many years at several middle schools and specialized institutions in Changsha. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he served as a member of the Hunan Provincial Cultural Relics Administration Committee and as a researcher at the Hunan Provincial Institute of Literature and History.
[2]
Cheng Songyun, also known as Cheng Qian (1881–1968), was from Zhongling County, Hunan. At that time, he held the post of Chairman of the People’s Government of Hunan Province. On September 7, 1952, Li Gongren wrote to Mao Zedong, stating that due to financial difficulties he wished to be appointed a member of the Hunan Provincial Cultural Relics Administration Committee and requesting Mao to introduce him to Cheng Qian for approval. On September 17, Mao Zedong inscribed on the letter: “Please let Chairman Cheng consider this matter.”