Letter to Deng Xiaoping [I]
(May 29, 1958)

Comrade Xiaoping:

There is business to discuss today. Please inform Comrades Ke, Tao, Wang, Zhang, Lin, Ou, and Li— the seven chairpersons of the economic cooperation zones—to remain for one more day. I would like to have a talk with them about certain matters, either by convening a meeting of the Standing Committee or by holding a meeting presided over by Peng Zhen, you, and myself. A decision will be made tomorrow. The atmosphere at yesterday’s meeting was not very good, so it would be worthwhile to hold a brief symposium. It would also be advisable for the first secretaries of the provinces, municipalities directly under the central government, and autonomous regions to stay for another day. After today’s symposium, we could then hold another enlarged Politburo meeting tomorrow. What do you think? If you agree, please proceed accordingly.

Mao Zedong
5:00 a.m., May 29

[I]
Deng Xiaoping, who at that time served as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council.
[2]
Ke refers to Ke Qingshi, who was then chairman of the East China Economic Cooperation Zone. Tao refers to Tao Zhu, who was then chairman of the South China Economic Cooperation Zone. Wang refers to Wang Renzhong, who was then chairman of the Central China Economic Cooperation Zone. Zhang refers to Zhang Desheng, who was then chairman of the Northwest China Economic Cooperation Zone. Lin refers to Lin Tie, who was then chairman of the North China Economic Cooperation Zone. Ou refers to Ouyang Qin, who was then chairman of the Northeast China Economic Cooperation Zone. Li refers to Li Jingquan, who was then chairman of the Southwest China Economic Cooperation Zone.
[3]
Peng Zhen, who at that time served as a secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat.