Conversation with Montgomery on the Yangtze River
(September 23, 1961)
Montgomery (hereafter referred to as M): Thank you, Chairman, for allowing me to visit China once again. There are several specific reasons for my current visit. Recently, many rumors have been circulating in the Western world claiming that China is facing tremendous difficulties—that everything is going terribly wrong, that people are starving, that they are on the verge of rebellion, and that the CPC Central Committee has lost control over the situation. However, I have traveled extensively throughout China, visiting Inner Mongolia, North China, Central China, the Yellow River region, and the Yangtze River area. I spoke with farmers in rural areas and with mayors and workers in cities. Throughout my journey, I found no evidence to support such claims. It is clear to me that, compared with old China, New China has made enormous progress since its liberation.
Of course, much remains to be done, and many challenges still need to be overcome—for example, in the areas of food production, transportation, and water conservancy. Based on what I have observed, I believe that the broad masses—both peasants and workers—are firmly united around China’s leaders.
Therefore, I conclude that they are fully capable of confronting and overcoming these difficulties. My question to you, Chairman, is: What is your view of China twelve years after its liberation, and what are the primary issues you are currently focusing on?
Mao Zedong (hereafter referred to as M): Are those the only two questions?
M: Those are the first two.
When I return to the West, I intend to correct their
[1]
Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery
(1887–1976), British field marshal and viscount. During World War II, he served as one of the Allied commanders. Later, he held positions such as Chief of the Imperial General Staff and Deputy Supreme Commander of NATO Forces. He visited China twice, in 1960 and 1961.