(October 1, 1957)
During his conversation with Tawfiq al-Yaz, head of the Syrian journalists’ delegation, Chairman Mao extended his best wishes for Syria’s independence, prosperity, and strength, and for its people to defeat imperialist plots of aggression. Chairman Mao said: “The peoples of the whole world support you in your struggle against imperialist schemes of aggression. People are delighted to see the solidarity among Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia; all Arab peoples must unite.” Chairman Mao also asked Tawfiq al-Yaz to convey his greetings to Syria’s president, prime minister, and to everyone fighting for national independence.  The head of the Syrian journalists’ delegation expressed gratitude for the Chinese people’s support of Syria. He also relayed the Syrian president’s greetings to Chairman Mao, adding that he hoped the Syrian president would one day meet with Chairman Mao. Chairman Mao replied that this was quite likely.  During a meeting with Egyptian guests, Chairman Mao asked them to convey his greetings to President Nasser and wished the Egyptian people well.  Chairman Mao also spoke with a group of American youth, expressing his hope that the peoples of China and the United States could enjoy friendly relations in peace.  [ri] This is an excerpt from Xinhua News Agency’s report titled “Chairman Mao Meets Distinguished Guests from Various Countries on Tiananmen Gate Tower on National Day Eve.”  On October 1, 1957, Mao Zedong reviewed the mass parade celebrating National Day atop the Tiananmen Gate Tower.