Comment on the Report on the Situation and Opinions
(19 December 1959)

Comrade Peng Zhen:
This document[II] may be forwarded to all localities for reference. Please handle as you see fit.
Mao Zedong
December 19

[II] Refers to the report submitted to the Central Committee by the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee on 12 December 1959, concerning the situation of the rectification campaign and future opinions. The main contents are: (1) The struggle against Right opportunism launched since early August is in fact another rectification campaign of the Party. In this regard, we have put forward three basic requirements: First, eliminate toxins. Second, raise consciousness. Third, strengthen the ranks. The campaign has so far achieved great results. (2) The preceding stage of the campaign shows that launching the struggle against Right opportunism is indeed a political task of great historic significance, a serious class struggle in the realm of ideology (beside this passage, Mao Zedong wrote a comment, i.e., Part Two of this text). (3) In the struggle, we emphasized boldly mobilizing the masses and adopting the method of combining focused criticism with voluntary self-examination. (4) The specific contents of the next stage are: First, conduct in-depth criticism and handling of key targets. Second, organize special-topic debates. Third, intensively read documents and engage in self-reflection in connection with one’s own thinking. Fourth, leading cadres at all levels shall conduct in-depth heart-to-heart talks to further raise understanding and strengthen the role of the Party’s leading core. Fifth, encourage the writing of reflections on one’s understanding and experience.
On 26 December 1959, the Central Committee forwarded this report to the Party committees of all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, all ministries and commissions of the Central Committee, and all Party leadership groups.

And in the political aspect, namely the balance of class forces, a major change has taken place.