Letter to Chen Yun [1] et al. Regarding the Agenda and Preparations for the National Financial Conference (May 6, 1953)

Comrades Chen Yun, Bo Yibo, and Li Fuchun [2]:  For the financial conference commencing on May 20, could you please consider what issues should be discussed and include them in the notice summoning the meeting, so that localities may make appropriate preparations? It would seem advisable to address budgetary matters, salary increases, the unification of finances at the county, district, and township levels, the relationship between local and major-city finances, tax collection, the Five-Year Plan, economic arrangements for the second half of this year, and military expenditures (to which Yang Lisan [3] should be invited). In addition to your preparation of proposals on each of these topics, it would be beneficial if the financial commissions of the major administrative regions could convene a financial conference around the middle of this month to gather opinions and bring them along (those that have already held such meetings, such as the Southwest Region, need not do so). Please determine whether this is feasible.

Mao Zedong May 6 Based on the manuscript copy.

Notes [1] Chen Yun was then Vice Premier of the Government Administration Council and Director of its Finance and Economic Commission. [2] Bo Yibo was then Deputy Director of the Government Administration Council’s Finance and Economic Commission and Minister of Finance. Li Fuchun was then also a Deputy Director of the same commission. [3] Yang Lisan was then Deputy Minister of the General Logistics Department of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission.