Telegram to Liu Shaoqi Concerning Gao Gang’s Letter and the Policy for Holding the Fourth Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee (January 22, 1954) Comrade Liu Shaoqi: Comrade Yang Shangkun has arrived here, bringing with him the necessary documents and a letter from Comrade Gao Gang. In his letter, Gao Gang states that he fully supports and endorses the draft resolution on strengthening party unity, acknowledges having made mistakes, and intends to deliver a self-criticism at the Fourth Plenary Session. He wishes to come here beforehand to discuss this matter with me. In my view, given that the plenary session is imminent, it would not be appropriate for Comrade Gao Gang to travel here. The issues he wishes to discuss can instead be addressed by you together with Comrades Enlai and perhaps Xiaoping [3]. With regard to the policy for holding the Fourth Plenary Session, while self-criticism by any comrade will be welcomed—except as otherwise indicated in the documents—it is advisable to refrain as much as possible from launching criticism against any individual, so as to allow those who have erred to attain greater self-awareness. I had already mentioned this latter point in my letter of January 7 to you and the other members of the Secretariat. If you concur with this policy, please proceed to consult in advance with the attending comrades accordingly, and also to discuss with Comrade Gao Gang the matters he wishes to raise. Shangkun will remain here for a few days before returning to Beijing. This telegram should be forwarded to Comrade Gao Gang for his perusal. £´ ０

I shall not send another separate letter. Mao Zedong January 22 Based on the manuscript for publication. Notes [1] Gao Gang was then a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Central People’s Government, and Chairman of the State Planning Commission. [2] Yang Shangkun was then Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. [3] Xiaoping refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at that time served as Vice Premier of the State Council.