Comments on Mo Wenpan’s [!] Report Concerning Assistance in Training Political Cadres for the Industrial Sector
(December 25, 1963)
In Document No. 121, all titles referring to official positions (such as “Chairman Mao”) should be uniformly changed to the name followed by the title “Comrade” (e.g., Comrade Mao Zedong). Similarly, customary appellations (such as “Commander Lin”) should likewise be replaced with the name plus “Comrade” (e.g., Comrade Lin Biao). This practice has persisted for several decades and is inappropriate, giving rise to certain bureaucratic tendencies. It has created unnecessary distinctions and barriers between officers and soldiers, as well as between superiors and subordinates.
[I] Mo Wenpan was then the president of the Political Academy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
[2]
Refers to Mo Wenpan’s report dated December 22, 1963, addressed to Xiao Hua (Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee and Deputy Director of the General Political Department of the PLA), Lin Biao (Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission), and Luo Ruiqing (Member of the Standing Committee and Secretary-General of the Central Military Commission, as well as Chief of the General Staff of the PLA). The report stated: “We have studied the Central Committee’s ‘Directive on Strengthening Mutual Learning and Overcoming Complacency and Arrogance,’ Chairman Mao’s letter of December 14 to Vice Chairman Lin, and Chairman Mao’s letter of December 16 to Commander Lin, Commanders He, Nie, and Luo, and Deputy Director Xiao.” Following a preliminary review by the academy’s Party Committee Standing Committee, all members unanimously resolved to resolutely overcome complacency and arrogance, earnestly learn from sister institutions, and adapt to the new situation characterized by favorable domestic and international developments and the imminent arrival of a major period of growth. Chairman Mao instructed the Political Academy to undertake part of the task of assisting the industrial sector in training political cadres, which served as tremendous encouragement and a powerful impetus for us. We are determined to carry out this arduous yet glorious mission with the utmost resolve, so as not to fail the trust placed in us by the CPC Central Committee, Chairman Mao, and the Military Commission and the General Political Department. Assisting the industrial sector in training a contingent of political cadres also presents an excellent opportunity for us to learn from local cadres; we will humbly absorb their valuable experience and fine work style, further improve our work, and enhance the quality of our teaching. The report also set forth preliminary proposals for assisting in the training of political cadres within the industrial system, covering such matters as enrollment quotas, length of study, curriculum content, and scheduling.

Comments on Mo Wenpan’s Report Concerning Assistance in Training Political Cadres for the Industrial Sector
Naturally, this has led to certain divisions and estrangements. The same situation prevails at the local level. I suggest that this be rectified decisively.
Mao Zedong
December 25, 1963