Comment on Curbing Illegal and Irregular Practices in Tax Work[1] (May 24, 1957)

Comrade Chen Yun[2], after reading, forward to Comrade Li Xiannian[3] for review, then return to Mao. I believe such phenomena exist not only in Fujian but likely in all provinces. It seems appropriate to adopt measures to address them. Could some typical investigations be conducted, followed by the formulation of a decree? Otherwise, as in the case of Fujian, it would be dangerous.

Mao Zedong
May 24

Printed from the manuscript.

**Notes**

--- Notes

[1] This comment was written on Issue No. 118 of the *Situation Bulletin* of the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, dated May 21, 1957. The bulletin excerpted an inspection report by the Party Leadership Group of the Fujian Provincial Supervision Department on the implementation of tax work in the Jinjiang Prefecture. The bulletin stated: The Fujian Provincial Supervision Department and other units recently conducted focused inspections of tax work in seven counties, including Jinjiang and Datian, and discovered extremely serious violations of policies, laws, and discipline. The main manifestations included: 1. Tax protection organizations acting recklessly, arbitrarily detaining individuals, seizing goods, selling commodities, and misappropriating tax funds. 2. Indiscriminate imposition of penalties. 3. Unauthorized and indiscriminate searches. After reviewing this bulletin annotated by Mao Zedong, Li Xiannian suggested to Chen Yun and Mao Zedong on May 29 that the Fujian report be forwarded to all provinces and municipalities. On June 4, 1957, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China approved and forwarded this report.


[2] Chen Yun, then Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council.
[3] Li Xiannian, then Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Vice Premier of the State Council, and Minister of Finance.