Letter Regarding the Swimming Pool Construction Costs to Be Paid from Author’s Fees for Liu Shaoqi et al. (April 25, 1954)

Comrades Liu, Chen, Deng, Luo Ruiqing, Yang Shangkun, and Wang Dongxing: Please read Jiang Qing’s letter herewith. As a measure to rectify the situation, the construction cost of 500 million [3] will be covered by my author’s fees, and the swimming pool will remain closed and unused.

Mao Zedong April 25, 1954 Printed from the manuscript.

Notes [1] Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Chen refers to Chen Yun, who at that time served as Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council, and Director of the State Council’s Finance and Economic Commission. Deng refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at that time was Vice Premier of the State Council and Minister of Finance. Luo Ruiqing was then Deputy Director of the Political and Legal Committee of the State Council and Minister of Public Security. Yang Shangkun refers to Yang Shangkun, who at that time was Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Wang Dongxing was then Director of the Guard Bureau of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.

[2] Refers to Jiang Qing’s letter to Mao Zedong dated April 20, 1954, in which she reflected on having unilaterally proposed the construction of a swimming pool for Mao Zedong.

[3] This figure is based on the currency then in circulation; converted according to the new renminbi issued by the People’s Bank of China effective March 1, 1955, it amounts to 50,000 yuan (one new yuan equals ten thousand old yuan).