To Mr. Lin, Mr. Zhou, and the Central Cultural Revolution Group:

The following reply is proposed; please discuss and decide accordingly.

Mao Zedong

1. The stance and policies you are currently adopting are correct, and the announcement may be issued.

2. As for cadres who have made serious mistakes—among them Comrade Chen Zaidao, whom both you and the broad revolutionary masses seek to overthrow—as long as they renounce their errors, earnestly rectify them, and win the understanding of the masses, they may still rise again and join the ranks of the revolution.

3. Efforts should be made to persuade certain individuals whose thinking remains unyielding, as well as the members of the “Million Strong Army,” to change their positions.

4. Work should also be done among the leftists to prevent them from taking the opportunity to seek revenge.

5. We must remain vigilant against malcontents who stir up trouble and absolutely not allow them to disrupt social order.