1. Upon going down to the factory, you must carry out effective publicity work and engage in thorough, meticulous, and arduous ideological and political work. Since there are many female workers in the factory, it is advisable to send some female comrades to assist in this effort, as they will be better able to connect with and work among the women.

2. Once on the ground, do not rush to take sides or make hasty pronouncements. After conducting careful investigation and study, if both factions are revolutionary mass organizations, you should gradually bring them together. Even when the two factions are in serious opposition, the broad masses generally desire unity; it is only a small number of leaders who resist reconciliation.

3. We must learn from the working masses, have the courage to admit and correct our mistakes. It is essential to show concern for their daily lives and to organize a medical team to provide them with medical care.

(Note: These were the instructions given by the Chairman to the Central Guard Regiment—Unit 8341—just before their deployment to the Beijing Knitting General Factory and its two branch plants to support the revolutionary masses. On November 11, the Beijing Knitting General Factory established its Revolutionary Committee. Unit 8341 reported this good news to Chairman Mao, who immediately wrote: “Read. Very good. Thank you, comrades!”)