Letter to Ma Xulun[1]

(May 22, 1953)

Minister Ma:

This document[2] was forwarded from your esteemed office by Comrade Hu Qiaomu.[3] It has been delayed for quite some time as it was circulated among some comrades for their perusal. I am now returning it to you. If it is to be published in *Chinese Language*, please follow the revised format[4] accordingly.

With respectful regards!

Mao Zedong
May 22, 1953

[1] Ma Xulun, then Minister of Higher Education of the Central People's Government and Chairman of the Committee for Research on Chinese Script Reform.
[2] Refers to the draft news release submitted for review concerning the third plenary meeting of the Committee for Research on Chinese Script Reform. After being reviewed and revised by Mao Zedong, this news release was published in two installments in the May and June 1953 issues of *Chinese Language*.
[3] Hu Qiaomu, then Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary to Mao Zedong, and member of the Committee for Research on Chinese Script Reform.
[4] Mao Zedong's revisions and finalization mainly concerned a passage in the news release that relayed his views on script reform.