How Should We Interpret the Additional Passage Inserted into the Notice Draft by Huì? [1]
(December 5, 1954)


When writing articles or delivering speeches and it becomes necessary to refer to Comrade Mao Zedong, one may use such expressions as “the works of Comrade Mao Zedong.”
[1]
This passage by Mao Zedong was appended to the following text in the CPC Central Committee’s Propaganda Department’s notice dated December 5, 1954, concerning how to interpret Mao Zedong Thought: “With regard to the question of how ‘Mao Zedong Thought’ should be interpreted, the following oral reply may be given henceforth: The Party Constitution clearly states that ‘Mao Zedong Thought’ is ‘the ideology that unifies Marxist–Leninist theory with the practice of the Chinese revolution,’ and that its content is identical to that of Marxism–Leninism. Comrade Mao Zedong has instructed that the term ‘Mao Zedong Thought’ should no longer be used in the future, so as to avoid serious misunderstandings. We believe that in their writings and reports, Party members should follow Comrade Mao Zedong’s instruction. As for expounding the Party Constitution and important past resolutions of the Party, these should continue to be explained according to the original texts without alteration; however, care should be taken to emphasize that ‘Mao Zedong Thought’ is, in essence, Marxism–Leninism, thereby avoiding any possible misunderstanding that the two might have different contents.” After this notice from the Propaganda Department was issued, several provincial committees telegraphed the department to inquire whether the phrase “Comrade Mao Zedong” in the passage added by Mao was a typographical error for “Mao Zedong Thought.” On December 25, the Propaganda Department replied: “The original text reads ‘Comrade,’ and there is no error. What is meant is that, when it is necessary to refer to Comrade Mao Zedong’s general views or opinions, one may use the expression ‘the works of Comrade Mao Zedong’ instead of ‘Mao Zedong Thought.’”