Annotations on the Question of Generally Settling Old Accounts, etc., in the People’s Commune Movement

IV

Mao’s note: Very good, it must be affirmed in this way. [1]

V

Mao’s note: Whether it is grumbling or reactionary speech, it is good that it is aired. Grumbling must definitely be allowed to be expressed, and of course the one who expresses it is not guilty. As for reactionary speech, once it is aired, they will immediately feel isolated and will criticize themselves. It does not matter if they do not criticize it; the masses’ eyes have already captured their honored visages, and they cannot run away. Therefore, the law that the speaker is not guilty can also be applied. This is now 1959, not 1957. [2]

Mao’s note: The notion that holding large meetings will impede the current urgent spring plowing and production is also a superstition, and has already been shattered by the masses. It depends on what kind of meeting is held. Is it a meeting for egalitarianism, arbitrary transfer of resources, and collecting payments, or is it the kind of meeting being held now? The former definitely impedes production, destroys socialism, and destroys the people’s communes. The latter is completely the opposite. [1]

VII

Mao’s note: Very well stated, that is precisely the case. [2]

[1] Tao Lujia’s report mentioned: “The county party committees of each county, in accordance with the provincial party committee’s instructions, announced to everyone on the first day of the Five-Level Cadres Conference: ‘The speaker is not guilty,’ ‘No labels will be pinned,’ ‘Anyone is permitted to retain their own opinions.’” After this passage, Mao wrote this note in parentheses.

[2] Tao Lujia’s report mentioned: “According to materials from Yuci City and Dagu County, during the first three days of airing views at the Five-Level Cadres Conference, people with tide-watcher and account-settler views, and even those with reactionary remarks, accounted for about 10% of the attendees. It is estimated that a considerable portion of their remarks were of the nature of airing grievances.” After this passage, Mao wrote this note in parentheses.

[1] Tao Lujia’s report mentioned: “Materials from all counties prove without exception that the Five-Level Cadres Conference and the great mass discussion have played an enormous role in promoting the current production movement. The high tide of the ideological movement has already generated a new and inspiring high tide in the production movement.” After this passage, Mao wrote this note in parentheses.

[2] Zhao Yuting’s report mentioned: “Judging from the situation over these few days, holding meetings not only does not affect production, but on the contrary, greatly pushes production forward. The process of holding meetings is the process of implementing the Party’s principles and policies, and also the process of correcting the shortcomings and mistakes in our work and mobilizing the masses, and at the same time it is the process of organizing a high tide in production.” After this passage, Mao wrote this note in parentheses.