Conversation during Swimming Trip to the Xiang River
(May 30, 1956)

Source: Yan Dong, Lu Lin, “Mao zhuxi xiangjiang youyong sanji” (Random
Notes on Chairman Mao’s Swim in the Xiang River), in Xin Hunan bao (June 24,
1967), 2.

According to this source, Mao swam across the Xiang River at Changsha, the capital of
Hunan province, on May 30, 1956. The following conversation took place after the swim,
when he was at the village of Zhongniutou, between Mao and some villagers, notably Guo
Hanjiang. It is one of many snippets of conversation reported in the article, but the only one
of any general significance. As a historical reference here, it is notable that Mao was born
at the village of Xiangtan, some 45 kilometers southwest of Changsha.

There are always difficulties. Gradually life will get better. . . .
They are all comrades in positions of responsibility in the provincial [government] and the municipal [government]. In the future, if you have anything to say,
you can go look them up and air it [to them].¹

Note

1. Mao was referring to several cadres who had accompanied him, notably Wang
Guodong and Yang Peiliang. The province refers to Hunan and the municipality to
Changsha.