Notes on a Letter Reflecting on Liu Jingfan’s Situation
(December 21, 1974)
This case has been under review for a long time; there is no need to delay it any further. It is recommended that he be released and exempted from further prosecution.

Mao Zedong
December 21
To be forwarded to Director Wang for consideration [2].
Printed from the manuscript.
Notes
[1] Tong Guirong, the sister-in-law of Liu Jingfan, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Geology (and wife of the martyr Liu Zhidan), wrote to Mao Zedong and others on December 17, 1974, stating: “Today I visited Liu Jingfan and found his health very poor and his mental state unsatisfactory. He suffers from liver disease, duodenal ulcer, edema in his hands and feet, and abdominal distension, possibly indicating cirrhosis. If he does not receive timely treatment, I fear he may not be able to hold out much longer. Therefore, I respectfully request: First, his case has already been under review for eight years. If the facts have been clarified, could he be promptly released so that he may seek medical care? Second, if a final conclusion on his case has yet to be reached, might he be allowed to leave custody to continue treatment while the investigation proceeds?”
[2] In accordance with Mao Zedong’s instruction, Wang Dongxing, Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, noted on December 21, 1974: “Comrade Tong Guirong’s letter to Chairman Mao has already received the Chairman’s instructions. This document should be circulated to the members of the CPC Central Politburo then in Beijing, and two copies should be sent to Office One of the Central Special Case Group for action as directed.”