Instructions on the Anti-Rightist Struggle
(August 1, 1957)

To the Party Committees of All Provinces and Municipalities, and to the Party Committees of Autonomous Regions:

(1) In the course of thoroughly exposing the rightists, the campaign is now being extended both to the county and township levels (and in cities, to the district level and to the grass-roots units of large industrial enterprises), while at the same time it is imperative to carry out a thorough search at the central level and in various units at the provincial, municipal, and autonomous-region levels. Only in this way can more rightists continue to be uncovered and brought to light, and their numbers will gradually increase. The number of ultra-rightists—those who constitute the core element among the rightists—whose names are published in the newspapers should also be appropriately increased. It should not be a few percent or even ten percent; rather, depending on the actual situation, it should reach twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty percent of the total number of ultra-rightists. As they are indeed ultra-rightists, having been objectively and truthfully identified as such (and not merely ordinary rightists), having more of them exposed in the press for their counter-revolutionary, anti-people, and anti-socialist activities and made to suffer public humiliation will be increasingly beneficial for educating the broad masses, winning over the middle elements, and further dividing the ranks of the rightists. This principle must be firmly upheld without any hesitation.

(2) During the period of intensive investigation, we must proceed in a realistic and fact-based manner. If certain units have very few rightists, or if there are none at all, we must not engage in subjective, arbitrary efforts to fabricate cases.

(3) It is essential to draw clear distinctions between three categories: ultra-rightists, ordinary rightists, and those leaning toward the right but still within the middle camp. Failure to do so could lead to indiscriminate labeling, placing us in a passive position and causing us to lose popular support. This point must be carefully observed.

(4) The anti-rightist struggle must adhere to the method of open debate, presenting factual evidence and logical arguments. Moreover, the facts presented must be accurate and verifiable, not fabricated; the reasoning must be convincing enough to win over the majority. We must never resort to sophistry or forceful imposition of our views.

(5) Leaders at the county and township levels, as well as at the district level in cities and at the factory-level grassroots, often lack experience and may not possess a high degree of discernment. Therefore, you must provide them with patient guidance and instruction, conducting regular checks to ensure that they can stand firm and strike accurately. This is an area requiring close attention.

(6) Within the Party and the Youth League, any members who exhibit the same political stance as their counterparts outside these organizations—that is, who are counter-revolutionary, anti-people, and anti-socialist, and who are fiercely attacking the Party—must be treated equally and subjected to unified criticism. Those whose names should be published in the press must indeed be published.

(7) During this phase of intensive investigation, it is of utmost importance that the Party and the government promptly identify and rectify errors and shortcomings in their work, thereby regaining the trust of the people. You are likewise urged to pay close attention to this matter.

The Central Committee
August 1, 1957