Commentary on the Question of Comrade Liu Xiao’s Work Arrangement [1] (April 20, 1963) Premier: Comrade Liu Xiao himself has requested to go down and gain a firsthand understanding of the situation, and I also deem this necessary. Given his health condition, it is not appropriate for him to be transferred to a lower-level post; he could be appointed as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and, each year, spend a certain period in various provinces and municipalities conducting investigative research. Mao Zedong April 20 Based on the manuscript copy. Notes [1] This commentary was written on the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ request report dated April 16, 1963, addressed to Premier Zhou Enlai concerning the matter of Liu Xiao’s appointment. The report stated that the Central Committee had already appointed Liu Xiao as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs on December 20, 1962. However, because Liu Xiao had been away recuperating, the appointment had not yet been submitted to the State Council’s plenary meeting for approval. Now, Liu Xiao is expected to return to Beijing around the twentieth of this month, and we propose to promptly submit the matter to the State Council for formal appointment and to announce the appointment in the press. Is this proper? Please give your instructions.