Participants: Mao Zedong, Pham Van Dong, Wang Yuru, Xu Ming, Tang Wen, Le Tung Son
Archive: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Archives
URL: https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/discussion-between-mao-zedong-and-pham-van-dong-0

Chairman Mao: Are you going back tomorrow?

Pham Van Dong: Yes, we are leaving tomorrow.

Chairman Mao: You are very busy.

Pham Van Dong: We are indeed very busy.

Chairman Mao: You have to fight the Americans.

Pham Van Dong: Yes.

Chairman Mao: You can certainly defeat them. Although the Americans are strong, they can be defeated.

Pham Van Dong: We are determined to defeat them.

Chairman Mao: That’s right. You shouldn’t be afraid of them. We are not afraid of them either.

Pham Van Dong: We are not afraid of them.

Chairman Mao: You have gained experience.

Pham Van Dong: Yes, we have gained some experience.

Chairman Mao: The most important thing is to rely on the people.

Pham Van Dong: Yes, that’s right.

Chairman Mao: We also rely on the people.

Pham Van Dong: We always remember Chairman Mao’s words.

Chairman Mao: I have nothing to teach you. You know more than I do.

Pham Van Dong: We must learn from the experience of the Chinese revolution.

Chairman Mao: You know more about your own country’s affairs. We only know a little bit.

Pham Van Dong: We must learn from China’s experience.

Chairman Mao: Each country has its own experience.

Pham Van Dong: Yes, that’s right.

Chairman Mao: You must adhere to your own principles. Don’t be afraid of isolation. We were isolated for a long time.

Pham Van Dong: We are not afraid of isolation.

Chairman Mao: You will certainly not be isolated. Who wants to isolate you?

Pham Van Dong: The Americans want to isolate us.

Chairman Mao: They cannot isolate you. The people of the world are on your side.

Pham Van Dong: Yes.

Chairman Mao: You are in a very good position.

Pham Van Dong: Our people are very determined.

Chairman Mao: That’s good. The most important thing is to be determined.

Pham Van Dong: Yes.

Chairman Mao: I wish you victory.

Pham Van Dong: Thank you, Chairman Mao. We wish Chairman Mao good health.

Chairman Mao: Thank you.