Letter to Liu Songlin
(February 14, 1956)

Source: Kau & Leung, The Writings of Mao Zedong 1949-1976, Vol. II
Pages 23-23
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Letter to Liu Songlin
(February 14, 1956)

Source: Shuxin, p. 509.

According to the source, Liu Songlin (originally named Liu Siqi) married Mao Zedong’ s
eldest son, Anying, in 1949. Mao Anying died in the war in Korea in late 1950 (see text Nov.
1950), vol. 1. From 1955 to 1957, Liu was studying in the Soviet Union.

My dear child Siqi:

I have received all your letters to me; I am very glad. I hope that you will take
care of your health so that you can avoid any illness, and do a good job of studying.
We are all well; there is no need for you to worry about us. There is now an upsurge

ee

of socialism in our country.! Do you get our newspapers where you are? You should
get some newspapers to acquaint yourself with the news about China. Don’t
become alienated from the situation in our country.
My best wishes.
Desheng?
February 14, 1956.

Notes

1. Mao was possibly reflecting on the conditions in the Chinese countryside since the second
half of 1955. See text Sept. 25, 1955, and texts Dec. 27, 1955(1) and (2), in volume I.

2. This signature, which translates as ‘‘gaining victory,’’ is one that we have not seen
used by Mao elsewhere.