Berlin
Telegram on the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Founding
(October 6, 1964)

To Comrade Walter Ulbricht, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and Chairman of the State Council of the German Democratic Republic;
To Comrade Willi Stoph, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic;
To Dr. Johannes Dieckmann, President of the People’s Chamber of the German Democratic Republic;
To Professor Dr. Erich Correns, Chairman of the National Council of the National Front of the GDR:

On the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic, we extend our warmest congratulations to the people of the GDR, to the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and to the government of the GDR, for the outstanding achievements they have made in the cause of socialist construction.

At present, U.S. imperialism is actively supporting West German militarism, brazenly engaging in activities aimed at hostility toward and isolation of the German Democratic Republic, infringing upon its sovereignty, and threatening peace in Europe and throughout the world. The Chinese government and the Chinese people once again reaffirm their firm support for the just struggle of the people of the GDR against the aggressive and war-mongering policies of U.S. imperialism, against West German militarism and revanchism, for the conclusion of a peace treaty with Germany, and for the safeguarding of national sovereignty.

A profound friendship exists between the peoples of China and the German Democratic Republic. To uphold and strengthen this friendship not only fully accords with the fundamental interests of our two peoples, but also contributes to the unity of the socialist camp and to the common struggle against imperialism. The Chinese people will, as always, on the basis of Marxism-Leninism and proletarian internationalism, following the revolutionary principles set forth in the 1957 Declaration and the 1960 Statement, continue to strive to enhance the friendship and solidarity between the peoples of China and the GDR, to safeguard the unity of the socialist camp, and to oppose imperialism in defense of world peace.

We wish the people of the German Democratic Republic new successes in their endeavor to build their homeland. May the friendship between the peoples of China and the GDR be further consolidated and developed.

Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
Liu Shaoqi, President of the People’s Republic of China
Zhu De, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China
Zhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
October 6, 1964