Comment on the Problem Report
(October 23, 1952)
This document (I) is submitted to Zhou [2] for his consideration; that is, it is to be handled by Peng [3]. If you have any views, please consult with Peng.
Mao Zedong
October 23
[ 1]
Refers to a report dated October 21, 1952, from Xiao Xiangrong, Director of the General Office of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission, addressed to Peng Dehuai and forwarded to Mao Zedong, concerning the implementation of the campaign against bureaucracy.
In his report, Xiao Xiangrong stated that the main cause of delays and backlogs in handling documents was certain shortcomings in the existing system. “To review a single budget, there are at least a dozen or more layers of approval—from the originating drafting agency all the way to the final approving authority—during which countless cadres are bogged down in unnecessary routine work. It is indeed necessary to carry out reforms. The best approach would be to establish an auditing body within the Military Commission. Any projects approved by the Commission could then be submitted directly by the originating units to this auditing body for review, with the auditing body itself vested with the power of final approval. This would eliminate the need for multiple levels of review, which not only prolongs the process but also wastes manpower.”
[2]
“Use” refers to Zhou Enlai.
[3]
“Peng” refers to Peng Dehuai, who at the time served as Vice Chairman of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission.