Comments on the “Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention (Draft)” for Party and Government Cadres [1] (January 9, 1961) To be circulated to all groups for discussion and for the submission of revision suggestions. (1) Should it be promulgated at this time? At present, the issue throughout the country is that in 80 percent of counties, communes, and production teams, power is still being seized. Would it not be more appropriate to postpone its issuance? (2) It is too complex; unlike the Red Army’s Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention, which are simple and clear, this version is difficult to remember. Moreover, some of its provisions, if implemented, might even have adverse effects. Please discuss these two points. Mao Zedong January 9

Based on the manuscript copy. Notes [1] These comments were written on a report dated January 8, 1961, submitted by Hu Qiaomu, alternate secretary of the CPC Central Secretariat, to Mao Zedong concerning the drafting of the “Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention” for party and government cadres. The report stated that, with regard to the “Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention” applicable to party and government cadres nationwide, they had studied similar regulations from various provinces as well as the draft Constitution, the draft Criminal Law, the Party Constitution, and other documents, and had exchanged views with many comrades. A draft had now been prepared and was being submitted for review, with the suggestion that it be printed and distributed for discussion at the current Central Work Conference. The “Three Major Rules of Discipline” in the draft were: (1) Consult the masses on all matters and always share both joys and sorrows with them; (2) Seek instructions in advance on important issues and report back afterward; (3) Self-critically examine and correct one’s own mistakes, and criticize and expose the wrongdoing of others. The “Eight Points of Attention” were: (1) Safeguard the safety of the people; those who beat others shall be prosecuted according to law, and those who cause death through assault shall pay with their lives; (2) Protect the people’s freedom; arbitrary punishment, arrest, detention, or search without legal justification shall be prosecuted according to law; (3) Protect the people’s property; anyone who encroaches upon or damages the property of the people must make compensation; (4) Protect public property; embezzlement, theft, or personal gain under the guise of official duties must be compensated; (5) Personnel appointments must go through organizational procedures; the appointment of private associates is prohibited; (6) Treat people fairly; it is forbidden to frame good people or shield wrongdoers; (7) Tell the truth to superiors; falsifying reports or concealing shortcomings is not permitted; (8) Practice democracy toward subordinates; suppressing criticism or obstructing appeals is prohibited. Mao Zedong titled Hu Qiaomu’s report “Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention (Draft)” and instructed that it be printed and distributed to all groups at the Central Work Conference. After repeated discussions and revisions, the Central Committee issued on January 27, 1961, the “Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention for Party and Government Cadres (Second Revised Draft),” which was then made public within the Party. The “Three Major Rules of Discipline” as finally published were: (1) Proceed from actual conditions in everything; (2) Implement Party policies correctly; (3) Practice democratic centralism. The “Eight Points of Attention” were: (1) Share labor and meals with the masses; (2) Be courteous in dealing with others; (3) Act impartially in handling affairs; (4) Conduct trade on a fair basis; (5) Report situations truthfully; (6) Raise political awareness; (7) Consult the masses on work matters; (8) Have no right to speak without prior investigation.