Conversation with Li Zongren [1] and His Wife (July 27, 1965) Xinhua News Agency, the 27th: Chairman Mao Zedong received Mr. Li Zongren and his wife, Madam Guo Dejie, at noon today. Chairman Mao warmly shook hands with Mr. Li Zongren and his wife. He said, “It’s very good that you have returned. We welcome you.” Mr. Li Zongren replied, “Since our return, we have both been delighted to see our motherland growing stronger.” Chairman Mao remarked, “Our motherland is indeed stronger than it was before, but it is still not yet truly powerful. We will need at least another two or three decades of construction before we can achieve real strength.” Mr. Li Zongren told Chairman Mao that many people overseas long for their homeland and eagerly wish to return. Chairman Mao responded, “Anyone who has gone abroad and is willing to come back is welcome. We shall treat them with courtesy upon their return.” Chairman Mao suggested that Mr. Li Zongren travel around the country to take a look. Printed from the People’s Daily news release of July 28, 1965.  Li Zongren, see note [1] on page of this volume. Together with his wife, Guo Dejie, he returned from abroad in July 1965 and arrived in Beijing on the 20th.