Comments Requesting Directors Wang Renzhong and Wang Yanchun [I] to Assist Hunan in Resolving Certain Issues
(April 11, 1961)


Comrade Wang Dongxing:
Please telephone Comrades Wang Renzhong and Wang Yanchun, asking them to arrive in Changsha at 2 p.m. on the 14th. They should stay here for three to five days, bringing with them all summaries of the Hubei provincial-level meeting as well as other important documents. Their task is to help our comrades in Hunan resolve several issues, primarily concerning the mass line: promptly identifying problems, taking decisive action first, and seizing the initiative—these are the two main points. It appears that some comrades in Hunan still do not fully grasp these matters.


(1) The Twelve Policies [31] have not been earnestly and resolutely implemented; in certain counties, the masses have not truly been mobilized, lacking a vigorous and enthusiastic atmosphere, while a climate of fear prevails where people dare not speak out.


(2) From last October until now—already half a year—the Five Undesirable Trends [41] have yet to be comprehensively rectified. In quite a number of areas, power has not yet been completely wrested from the hands of counter-revolutionary elements. Actions have been delayed, and efforts have been too slow, so that even as the busy spring plowing season || Wu approaches, the Party has still not gained the upper hand in many regions. As the ancients said: “Better late than never.”
[I]
Wang Renzhong, who at that time served as the Second Secretary of the Central South Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Secretary of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee. Wang Yanchun, who at that time was a Secretary of the Secretariat of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee of the CPC.
[2]
Wang Dongxing, who at the time held the positions of Director of the CPC Central Committee Guard Bureau, Vice Minister of Public Security, and Vice Governor of Jiangxi Province. He was accompanying Mao Zedong in Changsha at this time.
[3]
Refers to the CPC Central Committee’s “Urgent Directive Letter Concerning Current Policy Issues in Rural People’s Communes” dated November 3, 1960, which consisted of 12 articles.
[4]
Refers to the “Communist Wind,” exaggeration, arbitrary orders, privileges enjoyed by cadres, and blind command over production.