Jiang Zhuru, Letter to Mao Zedong

envelope (3)

Letter:

To Chairman Mao,

Chu Zhongyuan, a former graduate of the former Beijing Normal University, participated in the SY organization during the Great Revolution but later disengaged. He has served as a culture and history teacher at various institutions including Jiangsu Provincial No. 11 Middle School, Xiamen University, Hunan Provincial Xiangtan Women's Normal School, Xiangtan County Middle School, and Private Yueyun Middle School. Due to his active ideology, he often criticized the corrupt government and promoted revolutionary ideals during his lectures, which led to conflicts with school authorities and frequent mid-term resignations, resulting in financial hardship and insufficient means for basic living. Last year, he came to Revolutionary University to study, but after a medical examination, it was found that he suffers from severe anemia and physical weakness. He was advised to rest and consequently withdrew from his studies, staying at Huizhong Hotel. He is deeply concerned about his wife and children going hungry. He was also introduced by the Personnel Department to teach at the Normal University Affiliated Middle School, but his health is too poor; after each class, he suffers from breathlessness and dizziness, unable to continue. I observed his emaciated appearance and haggard complexion, feeling deep compassion for him. Considering his lifelong adherence to justice and unwavering revolutionary spirit, which is commendable, I specially requested the Chairman's assistance yesterday. Fortunately, he agreed, for which I am extremely grateful. I respectfully beg for an early official announcement so that he can rest assured and recuperate. Perhaps after a year, he can regain his health and return to formal work, which would be ideal. With respects,

Sincerely,

Jiang Zhuru

August 22nd, morning

Comment from Mao Zedong:

Comrade Yanming, please consider whether this person can join the Culture and History Museum, still residing at Huizhong Hotel, and be given the opportunity to recuperate?

Mao Zedong

August 26th

Envelope:

To be opened personally by Chairman Mao, from Jiang of Class 2, Group 4, Political Research Institute of North China People's Revolutionary University.

Jiang Ruzhu: Requesting immediate assignment of work for Chu Zhongyuan.

Comment from Mao Zedong:

Forward to Comrade Qi Yanming for handling, and please investigate and report back.

Mao Zedong

August 26th

Height 10½ in., 26.8 cm; Width 7½ in., 19 cm