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dated June 20, 1957: Mao on contradictions

 Mr. Mao Tse-tung, China’s head of State, published on June 18 his massive speech delivered in February announcing the principle that contradictions among the people must be resolved by democratic discussions. In his 15,000-word speech to the State conference, now published with “certain additions,” he spoke of “letting a hundred flowers blossom and letting a hundred schools of thought contend.” He drew a basic distinction between two types of contradictions – those in capitalist society with their “acute antagonism and sharp class struggle” and those in socialist society which, he said, were “not antagonistic.” He said, “Never has our country been as united as it is to-day. However, this does not mean there are no longer any contradictions in our society.” Class struggle was being waged within China between the working class and the national bourgeoisie, Mr. Mao said. “But in the concrete conditions existing in China such an antagonistic contradiction, if properly handled, can be transformed into a non-antagonistic one and resolved in a peaceful way.” China was a “people’s democratic dictatorship” which must, for a specific period, “deprive landlords and bureaucrat capitalists of their right to vote and freedom of speech. It must also protect the country from subversive activities and possible aggression from without. Any attempt to deal with ideological matters or questions involving right and wrong by administrative orders or coercive measures will not only be ineffective but harmful.”

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