Letter to Deng Xiaoping [I]
(November 28, 1958)
Comrade Xiaoping:
Please consider organizing seven small groups by large regional divisions, with comrades from Beijing distributed among the various groups. The six members of the CPC Central Committee Standing Committee should not be included in these groups, or at most only one or two, perhaps three, should be assigned to them, so that they can review the documents while engaging in informal discussions. For the first few days, hold only one meeting per day, devoted to mulling over ideas and exchanging views. I propose that this suggestion be put before this afternoon’s meeting for the opinions of all comrades, to see whether it is feasible. Without several days of such discussions and exchanges of views, many of the theoretical and practical issues contained in Resolution (Draft) [2] on the People’s Communes will be difficult to clarify. Once Resolution (Draft) [3] on the 1959 Economic Plan has been adopted, we can then proceed to group discussions on that very matter. Please make your own judgment as to how best to proceed.
Mao Zedong
11:00 a.m., November 28
[I]
Deng Xiaoping, who at that time served as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee.
[2]
Refers to the “Resolution (Draft) on Certain Questions Concerning the People’s Communes,” which was to be discussed at the Sixth Plenary Session of the Eighth CPC Central Committee.
[3]
Refers to the “Resolution (Draft) on the 1959 National Economic Plan,” also to be discussed and adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the Eighth CPC Central Committee.