Comments on Zhang Hanfu’s [1] Self-Criticism
(September 24, 1952)
To Comrades Liu, Zhou, and Deng [2]; for review by Comrade Zhang Hanfu; to be kept in Premier Zhou’s office.

(1) The two points raised by the Ceylonese delegation [3] should not be rejected. Please have Premier Zhou handle the specific arrangements.

(2) Comrade Zhang Hanfu’s self-criticism is satisfactory. This is his second instance [4]; we still do not propose to impose any disciplinary action. Should he err again in the future, we will reconsider imposing sanctions.

Mao Zedong
September 24, 1952
[1]
Zhang Hanfu was then Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central People’s Government.
[2]
Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Deng refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at that time served as Vice Premier of the State Council.
[3]
This refers to two requests submitted on September 22, 1952, by the Ceylonese Trade Delegation to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: first, that the Chinese government send a delegation to Ceylon in the future; and second, that this particular delegation be granted an audience with Mao Zedong.
[4]
See the document “Comments on the Submission for Review of Relatively Important Diplomatic Replies.”