(May 5, 1957)
Liu, Zhou, Zhu, Chen, Deng, Peng Zhen to read, Xiaoping to handle.
This document must be approved by the Politburo before being issued. Please ask Comrade Shaoqi to convene a Politburo meeting of about 100 people to hold a discussion and obtain approval.
Mao Zedong
May 5, 10 AM
[1] On May 1, 1957, Chen Shutong and Huang Yanpei, Vice Chairmen of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Vice Chairmen of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, jointly wrote a letter to Liu Shaoqi, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Zhou Enlai, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, disagreeing with Mao Zedong's proposal not to nominate him as State Chairman at the Second National People's Congress. On May 5, when Mao Zedong read this letter, he wrote four annotations within the letter and a comment after the letter, which is Part Three of this piece. The text printed in Song typeface is the text added by Mao Zedong. There are also two other comments, which are Parts One and Two of this piece; these two comments were written separately on a single sheet of paper and on the first page of Chen Shutong and Huang Yanpei's letter.
[2] Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Zhu refers to Zhu De. Chen refers to Chen Yun, then a Vice Chairman of the CPC Central Committee. Deng refers to Deng Xiaoping, then General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Peng Zhen, then a Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee.
[3] Refers to the letter from Chen Shutong and Huang Yanpei, with Mao Zedong's annotations.

This matter⑴ was discussed last year at Beidaihe at a meeting of several dozen people, and everyone considered it feasible. And regarding the Chairman of the Party, it was also considered feasible at an appropriate time in the future, only that it is not yet feasible for the time being.
For Liu, Zhou, Zhu, Chen, Deng, Peng Zhen to read, please have Xiaoping print and distribute to all Central Committee members and alternate members, all delegates to the Party's Eighth National Congress, Party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, as well as all NPC deputies and CPPCC members residing in Beijing.
Mao Zedong
The 5th
Please see the paragraph I wrote on the last page and the four annotations in the text; they must all be printed.
This matter should be discussed extensively in order to clear up thinking and obtain agreement. Amending the Constitution is worth considering. (These few sentences should not be printed)
Chairman Shaoqi:
Chairman Enlai:
Yesterday at the meeting, Chairman Mao mentioned at the very end that for the next election of the Chairman, Chairman Mao's name should not be nominated, and
[1] Refers to Mao Zedong's proposal that when the next National People's Congress convenes, he no longer be nominated for election as State Chairman.

instructed us to disclose this news. The opinion of the two of us is: not to speak empty words of support, but to think from the reality of our country. Our country's transition from the democratic revolution to the socialist revolution is a world-shaking, great transformation. In terms of the past seven years, development can be considered smooth. But one cannot fail to see that development has outpaced consolidation, that is, it cannot be said that the state is already consolidated, not to mention that Taiwan has not yet been liberated, and the two major international camps are still in fierce struggle. (The above two reasons, because the period is too long, and after serving another four-year term, the problems will still exist, so they are not suitable for discussion. The fundamental consolidation of the state has now been achieved; this state can no longer be overthrown. As for the complete consolidation of the state, according to the Soviet experience, it may take fifteen to twenty years. The liberation of Taiwan and the confrontation between the two camps may take even longer. —Mao Zedong's note) During this period, it is better that the supreme leader not be changed. It is true that collective leadership must be emphasized, but in the short term, the people of the whole country do not yet have a clear understanding, and the outstanding personal prestige within the collective leadership is still an important link in holding the people of the whole country together. (I still exist, and the personal prestige that holds the people's hearts will not be diminished by not serving another term. —Mao Zedong's note) It seems he should serve one more term, and under Article 39, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution, "The term of office is four years," add a sentence "may not be re-elected for more than two terms." Then in the future, matters can be handled according to law, which can relieve the people of the whole country of all kinds of anxieties. (Holding discussions among the people beforehand and explaining the reasons can reduce anxieties. At that time, I will publicly state my reasons. —Mao Zedong's note) Otherwise, it may cause shocks to the hearts of the people domestically, and give an opportunity for international rumor-mongering to fan the flames. (After a period of rumor-mongering, the truth will become clear, and the rumors will cease. —Mao Zedong's note) We earnestly believe this is not advisable. As for exercising the functions and powers of the office, the Constitution can also stipulate two or three vice chairmen. The year before last, the Chairman [of the NPC Standing Committee] already exercised the functions and powers of the office by receiving foreign envoys. This should have been amended in the Constitution. This matter is of great importance and should first be carefully considered by the Party and the government, and not be disclosed. We hereby report this in confidence. We also ask for consideration as to whether the NPC and CPPCC comrades present yesterday should be promptly invited to exchange views on this issue. If everyone shares the sentiments expressed above, please convey them to Chairman Mao. At the same time, we agree not to spread this hastily.
Regarding the long-term, high-intensity tension in the leadership's work, this point indeed deserves great attention. In the future, when arranging domestic and foreign work, it must be made as relaxed as possible. It seems that all leaders have this need. If you agree, please also inform us to proceed.
We have laid bare our thoughts and spoken frankly, and hope for your enlightened consideration.
With sincere
Respect!
Chen Shutong
Huang Yanpei
May 1, 1957
Amending the Constitution can be considered. The Chairman and Vice Chairmen may serve one more term upon re-election, that is, to amend the Constitution at this year's National People's Congress. Please ask Comrade Deng Xiaoping to prepare. There are two reasons that can be clearly stated for not being re-elected for the first term: (1) The term of office as Chairman of the Central People's Government plus Chairman of the People's Republic of China has already reached eight years, so I may not be re-elected; (2) Counting from the time the Constitution was enacted, I could be re-elected once, but I will not be re-elected, leaving four years, so that in the future, if a major event such as a war of national defense requires me to take office, I can be elected once more. And starting from 1958, let me temporarily be free from this task, so as to concentrate my energy on studying some important issues (for example, at the Supreme State Conference, in my capacity as Chairman of the CPC or a member of the Politburo, I can still deliver keynote reports when necessary). In this way, it is of greater benefit to the national interest than being Chairman. There are too many miscellaneous duties now, which extremely hinders the study of problems. Now, more and more senior leading comrades within the Party have come to understand this matter, but among non-Party personages, because there have been too few exchanges of views, many still do not understand. Therefore, it is necessary to raise this for unhurried exchange of views.
Mao Zedong
May 5, 1957

Photo from file
In 1957, Mao Zedong with Huang Yanpei and Chen Shutong.