Conversation with Members
of the Japanese Women’s Delegation
(May 1, 1957)

Source: RMRB (May 2, 1957), 1. Available English Translation: NCNA, Daily
News Release (May 2, 1957), 3.

This comment was made on the evening of May 1 (May Day), 1957, at a celebration held by
the people’s organizations at Tiananmen Square. The Japanese women’s delegation, when

greeted by Mao, expressed their opinion that women can help to sow seeds of friendship
between the Chinese and Japanese peoples. This is Mao's response.
In passing, let us note that Voroshilov, the chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
(see text May 1, 1957[1]), was also present. As he was enjoying a fireworks display,
Voroshilov elicited the agreement of Mao when he made this comment: "If the countries of
the world were to come to an agreement on arms reduction, who knows how much
gunpowder they could save to be turned over to manufacturing fireworks. Then there will
be no end to firework displays."

Right; friendly cooperation between the two countries can very well be fostered
through [the efforts of] our women.