Annotations and Revisions to the Speech Manuscript [I]
(September 29–30, 1964)
Liu, Zhou121 , and Peng should review it again. There are a few minor revisions.
Mao Zedong
Morning of September 29

Here, it must be pointed out that we still have shortcomings and mistakes, as well as difficulties. Our
[1]
This section consists of two parts: Mao Zedong’s annotations and revisions to the speech delivered by Peng Zhen, a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and Mayor of Beijing, at the ceremony celebrating the 15th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (draft dated September 26, 1964). The text printed in Song typeface represents additions and revisions made by Mao Zedong; Part Three contains Mao’s annotations on the revised version of Peng Zhen’s speech, as per his instructions. On the night of September 29, Peng Zhen wrote to Mao Zedong while submitting the speech for approval, stating: “Chairman: It has now been revised in accordance with your instructions. Please review it. Liu, Zhou, and Deng all concur with your views.” This speech was published in the People’s Daily on October 2, 1964.
[2]
Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai.

The more achievements we make, the more we must pay attention to identifying shortcomings and errors in our work; the smoother our cause progresses, the more we need to recognize the difficulties lying ahead.
At present, in industry, transportation, agriculture, commerce, culture and education, military affairs, government administration, and Party work, although we have attained great successes, there still remain numerous shortcomings, mistakes, and difficulties in each of these areas. In fact, such shortcomings, mistakes, and difficulties arise every year and every month. Once the old ones are overcome, new ones will inevitably emerge, requiring further effort to address them. Comrade Mao Zedong frequently reminds us that, at all times and in dealing with any matter, we must employ the Marxist method of dialectical analysis rather than the bourgeois metaphysical approach. We should acknowledge both our achievements and our shortcomings and errors; we should recognize both favorable conditions and difficult ones. Failure to do so would be highly detrimental to our cause. Our comrades and the people must never become complacent, self-satisfied, or conceited; they should always remain modest and prudent, seeking truth from facts. With regard to foreign countries, we must never adopt Great-Power Chauvinism. We must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations, refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, and strive for equal relations. As for fraternal parties, we must uphold proletarian internationalism, adhere to the principle of equality between large and small parties, and follow the principle of consensus—never imposing our own views on others.
We firmly believe that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and armed with Mao Zedong Thought, the various ethnic groups of our country can not only triumph over all natural disasters but also defeat the restorationist efforts of capitalism and feudalism, as well as any attacks launched by domestic and foreign enemies. All shortcomings, mistakes, and difficulties are surmountable. Sino-foreign relations will surely develop along the correct path.

Read and approved.
Return to Peng Zhen immediately for implementation.
Mao Zedong
2:30 a.m. on the 30th