Reply upon Presenting the Letter of Credence

(November 12, 1953)

Comrade Ambassador:

I am very pleased to accept the Letter of Credence presented by you from the President of the German Democratic Republic, and I express my heartfelt thanks for your congratulations.

Over the past four years, the friendly and cooperative relations between the People’s Republic of China and the German Democratic Republic have developed greatly. Following the change of the diplomatic missions of the two countries into embassies, not only will the close cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and all other fields be further strengthened, but it will also be of tremendous significance for the consolidation of the camp of peace, democracy and socialism headed by the great Soviet Union.

The great achievements of the German people in the work of national construction and in the struggle for peace have already made the German Democratic Republic a strong bastion of the peace and democratic forces throughout Germany and an important factor in safeguarding peace in Europe and the world. I am convinced that, with the assistance of the great Soviet Union and with the sympathy and support of the People’s Democracies and the peace-loving people of the world, the German people’s just struggle to establish a unified, independent, democratic and peace-loving Germany will surely win still greater victories. In this struggle, the German people will forever receive the full support of the Chinese people.

Comrade Ambassador, I warmly welcome you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the German Democratic Republic to the People’s Republic of China. In your work to consolidate the friendship and cooperation between Germany and China, you will receive the full support of myself and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

I wish you complete success in your work.