Telegram to President Quwatli of Syria (October 17, 1957)

His Excellency Mr. Shukri al-Quwatli, President of the Republic of Syria:

On the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I have the honor to receive your message of congratulations. On behalf of the Chinese people and in my own name, I express my heartfelt thanks to Your Excellency.

At a time when U.S. imperialism is driving Turkey to provoke Syria and conspiring to launch a war of aggression, I solemnly reaffirm the firm position of the Chinese Government and the Chinese people in resolutely supporting the just struggle of the Syrian people to defend their independence and safeguard peace.

I wish the friendly relations between China and Syria ever-growing development, victory for the Syrian people in their struggle against colonialism, prosperity for the Republic of Syria, and good health for Your Excellency.

Mao Zedong
Beijing, October 17, 1957
Printed from the *Renmin Ribao* of October 18, 1957.