Compiled by Chen Cuirong Source: "Love Zhou's Home"
On December 23, 1974, According to the opinions of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, Zhou Enlai and Wang Hongwen went to Changsha to report to Mao Zedong on the preparations for the Fourth National People's Congress. Zhou Enlai originally planned to go on the same plane as Wang Hongwen, but because Wang Hongwen slept late the night before, he went on another plane.
Before leaving, medical staff once again discovered occult blood in Zhou Enlai's stool and needed immediate examination and treatment. Zhou Enlai himself also understood that traveling such long distances would worsen his condition. However, he put national affairs first and firmly told the doctor: "Since I have been pushed onto the historical stage, I must complete the historical mission." Ye Jianying, who was in charge of Zhou Enlai's medical work, repeatedly told the medical staff who accompanied Zhou Enlai: For the best interests of the party and the country, the plan cannot be changed, but every method must be used to absolutely ensure the safety of Premier Zhou Enlai.
Wang Yun, a crew member who followed Zhou Enlai there, recalled: The Prime Minister was completely different from what I had seen in the past: He was obviously thinner, wearing a gray woolen coat, a blue woolen hat, a scarf, and a mask. I used to take the Prime Minister on a plane, and he walked vigorously step by step on the gangway. When boarding the plane this time, Prime Minister walked very slowly, struggled, and was a bit wobbly. The Prime Minister has many age spots on his face and hands, and his hands trembled slightly when he held the cup. Seeing this situation, my heart suddenly lifted. ...
During the flight, Zhou Enlai asked about the various work conditions of the unit where the special plane crew was located.
After flying to Changsha, Zhou Enlai and Wang Hongwen met with Mao Zedong.
From December 23 to 27, 1974, Mao Zedong had four conversations with Zhou Enlai and Wang Hongwen (23rd, 24th, 25th, and 27th) while listening to the report in Changsha. The main points are:
(1) Criticize the "Gang of Four" headed by Jiang Qing. Mao Zedong said to Wang Hongwen: "Don't form a 'Gang of Four'" and "Don't form a sect. There will be wrestling if you form a sect." He also said: "Jiang Qing is ambitious. Do you think she is? I think she is. I am doing Jiang Qing's work and advise her to do the 'three don'ts': first, don't criticize things indiscriminately, second, don't be in the limelight, and third, don't participate in organizing the government (cabinet)." He also said that Jiang Qing should be "divided into two," and ordered Jiang Qing and others to self-criticize, and asked Wang Hongwen to write a written inspection immediately in Changsha.
(2) spoke highly of Deng Xiaoping. Mao Zedong emphasized: "Deng Xiaoping's political ideology is strong and his talents are rare." He reiterated his proposal for Deng Xiaoping to serve as the first vice premier of the State Council, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and chief of the general staff. He proposed that while Zhou and Wang stayed in Changsha, Deng Xiaoping would preside over the work in Beijing.
(3) pointed out that "the Prime Minister is still our Prime Minister." After learning about Zhou Enlai's condition. To Zhou Enlai: You are not in good health. After the Fourth National People's Congress, you can rest in peace and recuperate. The work of the State Council is left to Comrade Xiaoping.
(4) Regarding the convening of the Fourth National People's Congress and its personnel arrangements. Mao Zedong said that the Second Plenary Session of the 10th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China should be held before the Fourth National People's Congress. When Zhou Enlai suggested replacing Deng Xiaoping as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee or a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, Mao Zedong proposed that Deng Xiaoping be appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. Mao Zedong also put forward some opinions on the specific candidates for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Fourth National People's Congress, Vice Premier of the State Council, and ministers of various ministries, and proposed that Zhang Chunqiao should concurrently serve as Director of the General Political Department of the National People's Congress.
(5) Regarding the international situation. Mao Zedong said: At present, we must continue to emphasize preparation for war. And asked: If the Soviet leader Brezhnev wants to talk, what should be done? Zhou Enlai replied: If the Soviet leader really wants to come for talks, he can consider it, but we will not take the initiative to invite him. Mao agreed.
December 26, 1974, Mao Zedong’s 81st birthday. There were only two people talking on this day, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. Two old comrades who have been together for nearly fifty years had a long talk until the early morning of the next day at a critical moment that determined the fate of the party and the country.
When talking about theoretical issues, Mao Zedong said: "Why did Lenin say that the bourgeois dictatorship should be clarified. If this issue is not clarified, it will become revisionism . The whole country must know."
Mao Zedong also talked about the need to "liberate" a group of cadres as soon as possible, to stabilize and unite, and to develop the national economy.
Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai exchanged opinions on the appointment arrangements for party and state leaders. After analysis and comparison, they finally determined the personnel arrangement plans for the Second Plenary Session of the 10th CPC Central Committee and the Fourth National People's Congress.
December 27, 1974, nights, flew back to Beijing. Before getting off the plane, I visited all the crew members and expressed my gratitude to them for successfully completing the mission.
Zhou Enlai conveyed the contents of Mao Zedong's speech to the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, and obtained the approval of the Political Bureau. Zhou Enlai put his own health and safety aside and resolutely flew to Changsha to report to Mao Zedong in person. He gained Mao Zedong's support in personnel arrangements for party, government and military leaders, thwarted the "Gang of Four"'s attempt to form a cabinet, and played a key role that could not be replaced by others at the time.
Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai jointly made the "Changsha Decision", which has far-reaching significance for the future development of China's situation and the fate of the Chinese nation.
According to [The Complete Works of Mao Zedong Volume 51]
[Compiled by Chen Cuirong Source: "Love Zhou's Home"]
