Telegram from Mao Zedong et al. Congratulating the Soviet Union on the Forty-Second Anniversary of the October Socialist Revolution [1]
(November 6, 1959)

To Comrade Nikita S. Khrushchev, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR,
and to Comrade Kliment Y. Voroshilov, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR:

On the occasion of the forty-second anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, on behalf of the Communist Party of China, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese people, as well as in our own names, we extend to you and to all the Soviet people—loyal friends of progressive humanity and builders of communism—the warmest fraternal congratulations.

The October Revolution marked a fundamental turning point in human history, serving as a guiding beacon for the ultimate liberation of all oppressed and exploited peoples from the shackles of capitalism. Over the past forty-two years, the growing strength of the Soviet Union and the socialist camp led by it, together with the vigorous development of national liberation movements and the declining fortunes of capitalism, have made ever more evident the epoch-making significance of the October Revolution and the invincible vitality of Marxism-Leninism.

This is a telegram sent by Mao Zedong in his capacity as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with Liu Shaoqi, President of the People’s Republic of China; Zhu De, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; and Zhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council, to Nikita S. Khrushchev, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and to Kliment Y. Voroshilov, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, congratulating them on the forty-second anniversary of the October Socialist Revolution.

Mao Zedong: Collected Works, Volume 42

The great Soviet people, under the leadership of the glorious Communist Party of the Soviet Union and its Central Committee headed by Comrade Khrushchev, are currently, with high political enthusiasm and selfless labor, successfully implementing the grand program of communist construction—the Seven-Year Plan. The early and overfulfillment of the Soviet national economic plan during the first three quarters of 1959 convincingly demonstrate that the time required for the Soviet Union to catch up with and surpass the most developed capitalist countries will be greatly shortened. Moreover, the Soviet Union’s successful launch of interplanetary rockets and establishment of automatic interplanetary stations have ushered in a new era in mankind’s conquest of outer space. The Chinese people sincerely congratulate the Soviet people on these brilliant achievements.

Over the past year, the forces of peace have grown stronger than ever before, while the forces of war have become increasingly isolated. Comrade Khrushchev’s recent visit to the United States and the Soviet Union’s proposal for complete and thorough disarmament, coupled with the address adopted by the Third Session of the Supreme Soviet calling upon the parliaments of all nations to ease international tensions and pursue disarmament, fully express humanity’s desire for peace and once again make a tremendous contribution to alleviating international tensions and safeguarding world peace.

The Chinese people wholeheartedly endorse and support these peaceful initiatives of the Soviet Union and stand ready to work alongside the Soviet people and other nations toward their full realization.

Under the immortal banner of Marx and Lenin, the solidarity and friendship between China and the Soviet Union, founded on the principles of proletarian internationalism, have reached an unprecedented level of consolidation and development. The recent participation of a high-level Soviet party and government delegation, led by Comrade Khrushchev, in our country’s celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of its founding was a great source of encouragement to the Chinese people. Throughout the Chinese people’s struggle against imperialism and their endeavor to build socialism, the Soviet people have consistently provided strong support and substantial assistance. For this, the Chinese people express their heartfelt gratitude. We shall continue to strive to strengthen the friendship between our two peoples and to reinforce the unity and friendship of the socialist camp led by the Soviet Union.

We wish you and all the Soviet people ever greater successes in the cause of building communism and in the struggle for lasting world peace!
Long live the Great October Socialist Revolution!
Long live the eternal, unbreakable friendship between the peoples of China and the Soviet Union!

Telegram from Mao Zedong et al. Congratulating the Soviet Union on the Forty-Second Anniversary of the October Socialist Revolution
Long live the great unity of the socialist camp led by the Soviet Union!
Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
Liu Shaoqi, President of the People’s Republic of China
Zhu De, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
Zhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council
Beijing, November 6, 1959