Annotation on the Circulation of Chen Boda’s Letter Concerning Several Questions on the Production Aspects of the People’s Communes
(January 25, 1959)

Comrade Xiaoping:

This document is to be printed and distributed to all comrades attending the meeting.[2] At the same time, it is to be sent to the Party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and regions for reference.

Mao Zedong
January 25

[1] Refers to a letter from Chen Boda dated January 18, 1959, asking the Fujian Provincial Committee of the CPC to forward it to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee. The letter reflects some views he put forward during his investigation of agricultural production conditions in parts of Guangdong and Fujian provinces:
(1) Now, in addition to promoting close planting methods in areas where planting is still sparse, attention should also be paid to the appropriate degree of close planting; according to different soil, climate, and other conditions, the degree of close planting should vary.
(2) The depth of deep plowing should take into account different local conditions; in different regions, climates, and seasons, attention should be paid to different depths of deep plowing.
(3) The true grain situation should be made known to the masses, and grain should be used sparingly. Strive to eat well in bumper years and to eat one’s fill in lean years.
(4) Whether it is production or livelihood issues, one should repeatedly consult with the masses; it is not appropriate for cadres to make decisions unilaterally. Do not force the masses to do things they are unwilling to do.
(5) During last year’s Great Leap Forward, some places put forward slogans about suppressing this or overtaking that. Such practices do not necessarily make one advanced and often cause one to fall behind.
(6) This year’s agricultural production targets here may be considered to double, or slightly lower, and strive to surpass them; they should not be set too high. The figures for last year’s achievements published in newspapers should also be handled seriously.
(7) Communes should have a set of gradually improving production management systems regarding labor organization, work quotas, and remuneration.
On January 27, 1959, the Central Committee of the CPC forwarded Chen Boda’s letter to the Party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.

[2] Refers to the meeting of the first secretaries of the Party committees of provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions then being held in Beijing.