Letter to Tian Shiqing[1]

(September 2, 1960)

Hanzhai[2] Schoolmate:

I have received your two letters, one after the other, and am deeply moved by your noble friendship. Regarding your aspiration to "go east,"[3] I have already consulted with Brother Zhou Dongyuan[4] and have written to the United Front Work Department of the Hunan Provincial Committee, requesting them to handle the matter as they see fit.

With respectful regards,
Mao Zedong
September 2, 1960

[1] Tian Shiqing, courtesy name Hanzhai, was a classmate of Mao Zedong at the Hunan First Normal School.
[2] Hanzhai is the courtesy name of Tian Shiqing.
[3] "Go east" refers to seeking a position or opportunity in the eastern regions.
[4] Zhou Dongyuan, namely Zhou Shizhao, was a classmate of Mao Zedong at the Hunan First Normal School and was serving as Vice Governor of Hunan Province at the time.