Reply Letter to Ho Chi Minh [l] and Comrade Mao Zedong’s Annotations on the Reply
(December 26 and 27, 1963)
Please have Comrades Shaoqi and Xiaoping [2) review it again, then pass it on to Comrade Shangkun [3[ for handling.
Mao
26th day
Dear Comrade Ho Chi Minh:
I have received your letters several times and am very grateful. As for the Sino-Soviet talks, a second session can be held in a few months. For now, it would not be advisable to convene one within the next few months, since there is little new to discuss. Once the policy has been jointly agreed upon at the meeting of the eleven parties, China and the Soviet Union will be able to hold their talks. It seems that these talks will not be concluded after only three or four sessions; rather, they may require ten or even dozens of rounds, spanning several years or perhaps a decade or more, before a result beneficial to the revolution and genuine unity can be reached. We are patient about this.
At present, the international situation is very favorable, as I presume you and your comrades have also perceived. I understand that your Central Committee plenary session was held successfully, and I extend my warmest congratulations. With the New Year approaching, I offer my heartfelt greetings.
Mao Zedong
December 27, 1963

December 26, 1963: Mao Zedong with Li Min and Kong Linghua at their residence in Zhongnanhai.

Archival photo. December 26, 1963: Mao Zedong together with Li Min, Kong Linghua, Wang Haiyong, Mao Yuanzhi, and others at their residence in Zhongnanhai.

1963: Mao Zedong with Jiang Qing at their residence in Zhongnanhai.

Archival photo. 1963: Mao Zedong with Mao Anying and Shao Hua.