On the Redrafting of Annotations to Ben Bella’s Letter and Ben Bella’s Letter [1] (October 13, 18, and 24, 1964)  One set of official phrases will not do. President Ben Bella has sent a second letter. Please have comrades in the Foreign Ministry redraft the reply, submit it to me for revision, and then dispatch it. Mao Zedong October 13

Second, return to the Foreign Ministry. President Ben Bella has written two letters; we should compose a single reply, using warm and vivid language rather than the style previously drafted (which has been returned to the Foreign Ministry for rewriting). Should Comrade Qiao Guanhua draft it, submit it to me for revision, and then send it out? Please decide as you see fit—your prompt action would be appreciated! Furthermore, all incoming letters ought to be answered. The congratulatory letter from former Prime Minister Pibulsonggram [2] should also be replied to. Mao Zedong  October 18 Printed according to the manuscript.

Three: Return it immediately to the Foreign Ministry for typing, and bring it to me this afternoon for signature. ·· Mao Zedong October 24, 3:00 p.m. Printed based on the original document preserved at the Central Archives.

Four His Excellency Ahmed Ben Bella, General Secretary of the Algerian National Liberation Front and President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, My Dear Brother: I have received your two letters with great pleasure. During this period, you have dispatched Ambassador Mohamed Yala to take up permanent residence in our country, Mr. Bachir Boumaza to discuss economic cooperation between our two nations, and a party and government delegation headed by Mr. Amar Ouzgani to attend our National Day celebrations. I met with each of them and held talks. For the profound friendship you have expressed through your letters and envoys, I am deeply grateful.

I have long followed the great Algerian people’s revolution. From the very day you took up arms, we were convinced that it was the resolute revolutionary spirit of the Algerian people, not the decaying French colonialists, that would prevail. You waged war for more than seven years, enduring countless hardships and曲折, before finally achieving victory.

We did our utmost to support your revolutionary struggle, yet our assistance was ultimately limited. It was your struggle that, in turn, sustained us. Your armed resistance provided a shining example for the peoples of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Your triumph constituted tremendous support for the Chinese people and for all revolutionary forces worldwide. We supported you, you supported us; such mutual support is characteristic of revolutionary peoples everywhere.

While Algeria was engaged in its national liberation war, I came to know many Algerian friends who visited China. I heard that some among them had since abandoned the revolution, and that a few had even turned counterrevolutionary. This is hardly surprising. Revolution invariably moves forward; as it deepens, certain elements inevitably fall behind or even betray it—this is also true of the Chinese revolution. I am pleased to learn that under your leadership, the Algerian National Liberation Front continues to advance the revolution.

You steadfastly oppose imperialism and both old and new forms of colonialism; you are working to build a revolutionary party and a revolutionary army, uniting all patriotic and democratic forces, gradually eliminating the remnants of colonial rule and domestic reactionary elements, suppressing counterrevolutionaries, and initially consolidating national independence while developing the national economy and culture—these constitute the first stage of a complete revolution, namely the democratic-revolutionary stage. In my view, this course of action is entirely necessary. Thereafter, it will be possible to transition to the second stage of the revolution, that is, socialism. It is my sincere hope that, as you carry forward the revolution and undertake construction, you will continue to score new victories and make further achievements.

The anniversary of the Algerian people’s armed uprising is approaching—a momentous occasion. Marshal Chen Yi will lead a Chinese party and government delegation to extend our congratulations to you. He is my comrade-in-arms and also your friend; he will convey to you my warmest greetings. You have promised to visit China, and I look forward to welcoming you. The entire Chinese people stand ready to give you a hearty reception.

Dear Brother Ahmed Ben Bella, please accept my highest and most heartfelt respects. Mao Zedong October 24, 1964 Printed according to the revised version.

Notes [ ] This series (I), (II), and (III) consists of Mao Zedong’s annotations on the redrafted reply to Ahmed Ben Bella, General Secretary of the Algerian National Liberation Front and President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. (I) was written on the Foreign Ministry’s report dated September 10, 1964, which proposed replying to Ben Bella in Mao Zedong’s name and included a draft text. (II) was penned on the translation of Ben Bella’s letter to Mao Zedong dated September 1, 1964, which was personally handed to Mao Zedong by Bachir Boumaza during his visit to China on September 20. (III) was inscribed on the draft reply to Ben Bella, prepared on behalf of Mao Zedong by Vice Foreign Minister Qiao Guanhua and submitted for review on October 23, 1964. This fourth section presents the final, Mao Zedong–revised version of the reply to Ben Bella. [2] Refers to Thailand’s former prime minister, Pibulsonggram. [3] Bachir Boumaza, at the time a member of the Political Bureau of the Algerian National Liberation Front and Minister of National Economy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. [4] Amar Ouzgani, then a member of the Central Committee of the Algerian National Liberation Front and Minister of State in the government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. [ ] Chen Yi, at the time a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council, and concurrently Minister of Foreign Affairs.