Telegram on the Fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the German Democratic Republic
(October 5, 1954)

To Comrade Wilhelm Pieck, President of the German Democratic Republic

Dear Comrade President:

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic, on behalf of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese people, and in my own name, I extend to the German Democratic Republic, to all peace-loving Germans, and to you our heartfelt and warmest congratulations.

Under the leadership of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and yourself, and with the sincere assistance of the great Soviet Union, the people of the German Democratic Republic have achieved splendid successes in consolidating the people’s democratic regime, developing the national economy, and raising the standard of living. Over the past five years, the German Democratic Republic has united all progressive and patriotic forces among the German people in an indomitable struggle for a unified, peaceful, democratic, and independent Germany, for the establishment of collective security in Europe, and for the safeguarding of world peace, thereby winning the ardent support of peace-loving peoples throughout Europe and the entire world. These achievements and efforts of the German Democratic Republic have inspired all peace-loving Germans and strengthened their confidence in the struggle for the peaceful reunification of Germany.

The fraternal friendship between the People’s Republic of China and the German Democratic Republic, together with their close economic and cultural cooperation, are steadily growing. The just cause of the German people in their fight to establish a unified, peaceful, democratic, and independent Germany enjoys the profound sympathy of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese people. The Joint Communiqué issued following the talks between our Premier and the Prime Minister of the German Democratic Republic on July 25, 1954, reflects the mutual concern and support of our two peoples in the great cause of peace.

Comrade President, I wish you ever greater success in leading the German people in their noble struggle to achieve the reunification of their homeland and to safeguard world peace, and I wish you robust health!

Mao Zedong
Chairman of the People’s Republic of China
October 5, 1954