(September–December 1974)




　　From September to December 1974, in conversations with foreign guests, Chairman Mao repeatedly pointed out that the world today is far less peaceful than in the past and that we must be prepared for war. Recently, during work reports by Comrades Zhou Enlai and Zhang Hongwen, Chairman Mao again issued extremely important instructions on domestic affairs, specifically instructing us to study Lenin’s exposition on the dictatorship of the proletariat over the bourgeoisie, to write articles on the subject, and to ensure that the entire country becomes aware of it.

　　The following are the main points of Chairman Mao’s series of instructions.

　　(1) The content pertains to international struggles; details omitted.

　　(2) Chairman Mao said that Comrade Deng Xiaoping is a rare talent with strong political acumen. He proposed convening the Second Plenary Session of the Tenth Central Committee to supplement the Standing Committee and appoint him as Vice Chairman, as well as to hold the posts of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Vice Premier of the State Council, and Chief of the General Staff.

　　Chairman Mao also stated that Comrade Zhang Chunqiao possesses considerable ability. When the discussion turned to who should serve as Director of the General Political Department, Chairman Mao replied that Zhang Chunqiao should concurrently hold that post.

　　While being briefed on preparations for the Fourth National People’s Congress, Chairman Mao remarked that those convicted war criminals from the Kuomintang could be released; they might go to Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, or Anhui. Those who wished to return to Taiwan would be free to do so.

　　Chairman Mao observed that some matters in the world seem difficult to discuss but are not actually hard to implement. For example, the Four Books and Five Classics are no longer discussed today, yet the country can still be governed effectively.

　　In any locality where there are two opposing factions, the militia should not intervene.

　　Chairman Mao noted that the Soviet Union is constantly seeking to establish contact with us; this deserves close attention.

　　Chairman Mao then asked whether Brezhnev could be invited to visit China.

　　(3) The content consists of instructions concerning theoretical issues; details omitted.



Thanks to Ayana Sakura for collecting, entering, and proofreading.