Commentary by Mao Zedong on Zhang Tixue’s Report [1] Concerning the Distribution of Grain to Households in Hubei and Other Matters (June 20, 1959) This document [2] is to be transmitted by telegram by Yang Shangkun [3] to the party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions for their consideration.

Grain is to be distributed to individual households. In addition, vigorous efforts must be made to increase the production of non-staple foodstuffs and daily-use industrial goods, and to revive handicraft industries.

Mao Zedong June 20 Based on the manuscript copy.

Notes [1] Zhang Tixue was then Governor of Hubei Province.

[2] Refers to Zhang Tixue’s telephone report on the morning of June 16, 1959, concerning the warehousing of wheat, the distribution of grain to households, and the promotion of handicraft industries. Zhang Tixue stated that the wheat harvest in Hubei was nearly complete; progress in warehousing had been rather slow but was being accelerated. After grain was allocated to households according to a per capita quota, the situation underwent a marked improvement: team-level cadres and peasants were overjoyed, while some cadres at the brigade and commune levels remained resistant. The provincial party committee has now decided to engage directly with the masses, and it should be possible to carry out this policy successfully. A considerable number of fishermen have rejoined their teams, and fishing has begun again on the lakes. Following a renewed push to develop handicraft industries, output has increased somewhat. On the same day, Li Xiannian, Vice Premier of the State Council and Minister of Finance, relayed the contents of this telephone conversation to Zhou Enlai. Mao Zedong’s commentary was written directly on Li Xiannian’s report.

[3] Yang Shangkun, then Alternate Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.