Comment on an Incoming Letter [I]
(August 30, 1966)

Send to the Premier for consideration and handling. [They] should be protected.

Mao Zedong
August 30

[I]
On August 30, 1966, Zhang Shizhao, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, wrote to Mao Zedong, reporting on the search and seizure of his home on the night of August 29 and requesting Mao Zedong's help "to slightly ease the situation within the realm of possibility," and that "the most important thing is to prevent repeated searches." After reading the letter, Mao Zedong wrote this comment directly on it. According to the article "My Father Zhang Shizhao and I" written by Zhang Shizhao's daughter Zhang Hanzhi, on September 1, Mao Zedong also wrote a reply letter to Zhang Shizhao, stating: "Your letter has been received, and I am deeply concerned. I have already asked the Premier to make arrangements. Please do not worry!"

[2]
After receiving the letter and comment forwarded by Mao Zedong, Premier of the State Council Zhou Enlai immediately handled the matter and, at 2 p.m. on August 30, noted on the envelope: "Handled. Noted by Zhou." At the same time, he personally wrote a list of leading cadres and prominent democratic personages who should be protected, including Song Qingling, Guo Moruo, Zhang Shizhao, Cheng Qian, He Xiangning, Fu Zuoyi, Zhang Zhizhong, Cai Tingkai, Shao Lizi, Jiang Guangnai, Sha Qianli, Zhang Xiruo, Li Zongren, and others, as well as the Vice President of the State, Vice Chairpersons and members of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Vice Chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Vice Premiers, Ministers, and Vice Ministers of the State Council, leading figures of the various democratic parties, and leading figures of the Two Supremes (referring to the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate).