Comment on a Situation Report
(September 4, 1959)

This document[1] is very good. Distribute it to the Party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and regions for reference and handling.

The Central Committee
September 4

[1]
This telephone report from the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China to the Central Committee on September 2, 1959, stated: The enlarged meeting of the Municipal Committee, which we began on August 28, conveyed the spirit of the resolution of the Eighth Plenary Session of the Eighth Central Committee. The response was very strong, raising the cadres' understanding of right-wing opportunism. The meeting is henceforth planned to proceed in three stages: First, clarify the essence of the right-wing opportunist clique and eliminate its influence. Second, through study, further understand that the struggle against right-wing opportunism is a struggle between two classes and two lines; after the discussion deepens, gradually connect with and examine one's own ideological understanding, draw lessons, and raise political consciousness. Third, earnestly discuss how to implement the General Line in practical work, sum up the experience since last year, and promote a new upsurge in the movement to increase production and practice economy. Each of the above stages will require approximately five days, with the general rule being half a day for meetings and half a day for work. The meeting is expected to conclude on the 15th.

Comrades Liu[2] and Peng Zhen[3], read immediately. Shangkun[4], dispatch immediately by telegram. It is hoped this will be completed today.
No need for separate printing.

Mao Zedong
4:00 a.m., September 4

[2]
Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Peng Zhen was then a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a secretary of the Central Secretariat.
[3]
Shangkun, namely Yang Shangkun, was then an alternate secretary of the Central Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the Central Committee.