When Li Zongren returned to China in 1965, Chairman Mao gave three instructions Premier you should w

Foreword

In 1949, the Communist Party won successive victories on the battlefield, and the liberation of the whole of China was the trend of the times. Faced with this situation, Chiang Kai-shek announced his resignation and announced that his deputy Li Zongren would act as his authority. But the current situation, Li Zongren was powerless, so he went to the United States under the pretext of poor health.

In 1954, he was removed from his position as deputy ** and became a civilian.

1. Li Zongren's calligraphy and painting worth 3,000 US dollars, ** gave him 120,000 US dollars, Li Zongren: "I still know the Communist Party." ”

The days of wandering in a foreign land were already difficult, coupled with Li Zongren's advanced age, and the inherent idea of Chinese people returning to their roots, made him very eager to return to the embrace of the motherland.

In 1958, Li Zongren's wife Guo Dejie returned to Hong Kong to visit relatives and mentioned the matter to his old subordinate Cheng Siyuan. In order to show his sincerity in returning to China, Li Zongren also sent a letter to Cheng Siyuan, in which he mentioned that he would dedicate a batch of calligraphy, painting and other cultural relics in his collection to the motherland.

After Cheng Siyuan told Premier Li Zongren's thoughts, he was very happy. In fact, the Chinese side also fervently hopes that he can return to China.

**Met with Cheng Siyuan and made a clear statement:

"Mr. Li can return to China to settle down. He is determined to come back and we welcome him. You can go to the United States after returning to your home country, you can come back when it is convenient, and you can stay in Europe for a period of time before making a decision. In short, we appreciate Mr. Delin's yearning for the motherland, but it is up to him to decide not to impose anything on others. He also expressed his appreciation for the idea of dedicating his collection of paintings to the motherland. ”

Li Zongren was particularly relieved to learn that *** would accept his calligraphy and paintings and other cultural relics on behalf of **.

There are 12 boxes of calligraphy and paintings that Li Zongren wants to present to the country, all of which are stored in the United States. Cheng Siyuan assisted him in transporting these calligraphy and paintings to Hong Kong. After Cheng Siyuan made a report to ***, the relevant departments came to Hong Kong and brought these calligraphy and paintings back to Beijing.

Where did Li Zongren's calligraphy and paintings come from? Although he was born into the military, he loved art. When he was in Guangxi, he unexpectedly met Xu Beihong. Because he particularly admired Xu Beihong's works, he ordered a servant to serve him, and he was also equipped with a driver.

Xu Beihong also regarded Li Zongren as a confidant, and often gave Li Zongren his masterpieces, and there were more than a dozen pictures of horses and eight horses in various forms alone.

In October 1946, Li Zongren was sent to Beiping, and his actions were restrained by Chiang Kai-shek. The frustration in the workplace made his life gloomy.

At this time, Xu Beihong came to Beiping as the principal of the art school, and in order to alleviate Li Zongren's frustration, he often took Li Zongren to ask for paintings from some famous calligraphers and painters.

The famous painter Qi Baishi once gave Li Zongren more than 20 paintings at one time, and none of them were inscribed, and said to Li Zongren: ".You're into politics, and when you're frustrated, these paintings might come in handy.

For this reason, Li Zongren was quite moved. After that, Li Zongren often invited famous scholars such as calligraphers and painters to his home to attend salons, and such activities were held almost every two weeks. This is done to relieve worries and worries, and it is also out of interest. Many precious paintings and calligraphy have also been preserved in his place.

In order to do what he liked, his subordinates often gave him some famous calligraphy and paintings they had collected. Of course, Li Zongren himself will spend money to buy it. As a result, his collection of works is diverse and mixed. Whether the ink is real or fake, even he has a hard time telling the difference.

Li Zongren cherished these paintings and calligraphy very much, and when he went to the United States, he also took them with him.

In a letter to Cheng Siyuan, Li Zongren said that the paintings and calligraphy were collected by him when he was the director of the Northern Parallel Yuan, and that he spent more than $110,000.

Immediately, the relevant experts of the Palace Museum were entrusted to conduct the appraisal. In addition to the works of modern masters such as Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, and Huang Binhong, there are also paintings and calligraphy by famous people such as Wen Zhengming, Zheng Banqiao, and He Shaoji.

Appraisal experts found that most of the calligraphy and paintings of the ** period were authentic works of famous artists from the north and south, while many ancient calligraphy and paintings were fakes. Most of these fakes came from Beijing and Tianjin in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, when there were many counterfeiting workshops in these areas, specializing in copying ancient famous calligraphy and paintings.

However, the calligraphy and paintings from these counterfeiting workshops are very meticulous in terms of craftsmanship and workmanship, and have reached the point where they are fake.

After evaluation, experts at the Palace Museum believe that the paintings and calligraphy are worth up to $3,000 at the current market price, a figure far from what Li Zongren said.

After hearing this, he also felt embarrassed, and after high-level discussion, it was decided that the matter would be kept strictly secret from the society, and Li Zongren would not be allowed to know the inside story, so as not to embarrass him. In this batch of paintings and calligraphy, the original works were transferred to the Palace Museum.

Although the actual value of $3,000 in this batch of paintings and calligraphy is far from the $120,000 that Li Zongren said, he decided to give him $30,000 in order not to let Li Zongren's hard work be disappointed. **reported the incident*** feared*** that *** would criticize him for giving too much.

Unexpectedly, ** laughed out loud after hearing this, and said generously: "Enlai, our ** work should be strategic." He said more than 110,000, so he gave him 120,000! What's bad? 'Throw stones to ask for directions', this is obviously a political account! The foresight of ** can be seen.

** thought that *** was reasonable, and notified the Ministry of Finance to withdraw $120,000 in cash from the state treasury. Considering that Li Zongren is an influential person, in order to prevent accidents, he specially instructed the relevant parties to hand over the cash to him, and this should not go through the bank or outsiders.

** Told Cheng Siyuan the news, and at the same time explained: "Some of Mr. Li's paintings are real, and some are fakes. However, remembering Mr. Li's patriotic enthusiasm, he will be given a sum of money to travel to Europe to make a strong deed. ”

**Always thoughtful and cautious.

This seems to be quite an embarrassing matter, but it was easily solved by *** and *** and other ** leaders, and the great wisdom and big mind of the CCP were reflected.

When Li Zongren learned the news, he was very happy and praised him repeatedly: "The Communist Party still knows the goods!" "I have strengthened my determination to return to my homeland.

2. Regarding Li Zongren's return to China, **Instructions are three to ***

In the spring of 1960, Guo Dejie lived in Hong Kong for a month in the name of visiting relatives, and she discussed with Cheng Siyuan the arrangements for a trip to Europe proposed by ***, and accepted the dollar sent by Beijing. Although Li Zongren has some savings, he has been stretched thin for many years in the United States, and now with this huge amount of money, their life is much more convenient.

In December 1963, according to Cheng Siyuan's arrangement, Li Zongren and his wife started a European tour, from the United States to Rome, the capital of Italy, and then to Zurich, Switzerland. Before that, Cheng Siyuan was already waiting in Zurich.

The next day, Cheng Siyuan accompanied Li Zongren on a long journey along the Rhine River in a car. Li Zongren enjoyed the scenery along the way and was in a good mood. During the conversation, Cheng Siyuan conveyed his warm intention to welcome Li Zongren back to China, and told him the preparations to be made before returning to China and the most suitable time.

Regarding Li Zongren's return to China, ** has always been very concerned. When *** stated to him Li Zongren's desire to return to China, and was worried that his life was not used to,"He wants to come back, and we welcome him back." If you are not used to living, you can go back and come and go freely! ”

In fact, as early as 1949, when Li Zongren acted as the first authority and sent a secret envoy to negotiate with the CCP in order to end the civil war as soon as possible, he had won Li Zongren to stay. It is hoped that he will "not leave Nanjing after the People's Liberation Army crosses the river." If "he thinks that Nanjing is not safe and can fly to Beiping, the Communists will treat him as a distinguished guest, and then the peace talks can still continue." ”

However, due to various reasons, Li Zongren was unable to stay in the end.

As the wheel of history continues to move forward, the world has undergone earth-shaking changes, and now Li Zongren only wants to return to the embrace of the motherland.

In February 1964, Li Zongren published an article in the New York Herald Tribune in the United States, in which he included some misunderstandings about China's foreign policy because he did not know much about some of China's specific conditions.

The New York Herald Tribune is a well-known newspaper, and the article caused a sensation as soon as it was published, especially in the international community. At this point, the matter of Li Zongren's return to China was temporarily delayed.

On February 3, 1965, ** received a report from the Investigation Department of the Chinese Communist Party. The report comes from the information provided by Cheng Siyuan:

First, Li Zongren already planned to return to Hong Kong from the United States and then return to China via Hong Kong. Second, Li Zongren has placed advertisements planning to sell his property in New Jersey; Third, Li Zongren expressed his apologies for the article published in the American newspaper, and he felt very guilty, and he could not regret the adverse impact ......Judging from the current situation, being able to return to the motherland is something that Li Zongren is extremely looking forward to.

**After reading, immediately put forward the written instructions to***

Prime Minister:

It seems that Li Zongren should be welcomed back to China. The issue of submitting a letter to the United States last year had nothing to do with the overall situation and was not criticized, because he had already admitted his mistake.

**。On the morning of February 3.

In accordance with the instructions of ***, ** has made careful arrangements for this.

On June 13, 1965, Li Zongren left the United States, where he had lived for many years, and went to Europe again, and this time he went to Europe not to travel, but to return to China by way.

On June 15, Cheng Siyuan came to Beijing again. He successively met with Xu Bing, Minister of the Communist Party of China, Zhou Rongxin, Secretary General of the Communist Party of China, Tong Xiaopeng, Director of the Prime Minister's Office, etc., and received the task personally arranged by the Communist Party of China: escorting Li Zongren to return to China smoothly.

The next day, Cheng Siyuan took a plane and headed for Switzerland.

On June 28, Cheng Siyuan met with Li Zongren and his wife Guo Dejie in Switzerland. During the conversation,Li Zongren said affectionately: "Siyuan, the tree is thousands of feet high, and the leaves fall back to the roots. When people get old, they miss the motherland more and more in their old age. ”

On July 9, the Investigation Department again drafted a report to clarify the specific matters related to Li Zongren's return to China.

The report pointed out that in consideration of the security of Li Zongren's return to China, the Investigation Department recommended that Li Zongren not hold a press conference in Europe and not make a written statement. Li Zongren agreed. Tentatively scheduled for July 20, Li Zongren and his entourage will return to China from Pakistan.

And for the issue of the statement, the ** Investigation Department discussed two plans, the first is that Li Zongren can make a statement after discussing after returning to China; The second is to make a written statement at the airport on the day of return to China and meet with reporters. The draft statement should be published after it has been agreed upon with the country.

On July 12, after reading the above report, he immediately gave instructions and sent another note

Prime Minister:

It seems that the second option is better, and there is no harm in discussing the draft in advance. Please think again.

**。July 12th.

** explained to everyone Mr. Li Zongren's request for voluntary return to China and the decision and policy of *** far-sightedness to welcome his return, and the people present were very moved when they heard it.

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon of July 13, Li Zongren and his entourage took off from Switzerland and landed in Pakistan according to the scheduled plan, starting the first step of returning to China. At 4 a.m. on the 14th, the group arrived at Karachi Airport smoothly.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Ding Guoyu was already waiting at the airport, and he took Li Zongren and others to the embassy for stay.

On July 14, Ambassador Ding Guoyu made a phone call to the Investigation Department of the Communist Party of China, focusing on the drafting of the draft statement to be issued by Li Zongren after his arrival in Beijing and Li Zongren's planned press conference at home and abroad.

On July 15, the Investigation Department of the Communist Party of China sent a telegram to Ding Guoyu, mentioning the specific contents of Li Zongren's statement and press conference on his return to China.

Before the telegram is issued, it is submitted to *** for review. **Immediately make instructions on the telegram, and then to ***

Prime Minister:

Do you want to stay in Shanghai for a few more days, discuss the draft statement with Li Mian, and return to Beijing on the same plane? When Lee returns to China, you should be welcomed at the airport.

**。Early on the 15th.

3. Li Zongren returned to China, and his witty "opening remarks" surprised Li Zongren

At 7 a.m. on July 18, 1965, the Boeing 707 passenger plane in which Li Zongren and others were flying slowly landed at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Li Zongren walked down the gangway, his steps heavy but firm. After 16 years of wandering in a foreign land, he finally set foot on the land of his homeland that he dreamed of.

In the waiting hall of Baiyun Airport, Li Zongren and his wife had breakfast with Tao Zhu and other leaders who came to greet them, and they had a cordial conversation. After breakfast, Li Zongren and his entourage re-boarded. More than two hours later, he arrived in Shanghai at 11 a.m. On the 20th, Li Zongren took a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing.

At the capital airport, party and state leaders such as **personally led**, Peng Zhen, Guo Moruo, etc., were already waiting here to extend a warm welcome to Li Zongren's return. The airport is bustling with people.

Also attending the welcoming ceremony were responsible persons of various democratic parties, personages without party affiliation, and generals of the Kuomintang uprising.

At 11 a.m., the plane landed safely. In the face of the warm scene at the airport, Li Zongren was very excited and frequently thanked the welcoming crowd. When he saw *** standing at the front of the welcome line, he hurriedly stepped forward, and the two hugged each other tightly. Li Zongren was speechless with excitement.

You're back and we welcome you! * The kind words made Li Zongren unable to hold back any longer, tears burst out of his eyes, and he said repeatedly: "Hello Prime Minister, Hello Prime Minister." ”

Subsequently, Li Zongren shook hands with the ** and others who came to welcome him one by one and thanked them. When Pu Yi and Li Zongren were introduced, a very historic scene appeared: in the capital of New China, Pu Yi, as the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, and Li Zongren, the "last **" of the Kuomintang, stretched out their hands respectively, and then clasped them tightly.

Pu Yi said: "Welcome back to the embrace of our great motherland. ”

In front of the bust statue in the airport hall, Li Zongren faced the crowd that welcomed him and said solemnly:

"Zongren is old, and he has no nostalgia for his personal political origins. In the future, I wish to fulfill my responsibilities as a member of the people, make contributions to the cause of the motherland's revolution and construction, and hope to live a long life in the motherland. ”

On July 26, when Li Zongren and others were visiting a textile factory in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, they suddenly received a notice: ** The chairman was going to meet them in Zhongnanhai.

On the way to Zhongnanhai, Li Zongren was full of emotion. Carefully calculated, it has been 40 years since he first met ***.

When they arrived in Zhongnanhai, they were already waiting in an open-decked bamboo lounge next to the pool. When he saw Li Zongren and his entourage, he warmly greeted him, shook hands with Li Zongren and his wife Guo Dejie, and said happily: "You are back, very good, welcome!" ”

After everyone sat down, ** looked at Li Zongren with a humorous expression, and suddenly said in a thick Hunan accent: ".Haha, Mr. Delin, you've been fooled! When you returned to China this time, you got on the thief ship by mistake. When Li Zongren heard this, he was stunned.

Chiang Kai-shek scolded us for being 'bandits', didn't you come back this time and get on the thief ship by mistake? "* Laughing out loudThis laughter is full of his unique humor, open-mindedness, confidence and bearing. Li Zongren didn't expect ***'s "opening remarks" to be so witty, and he couldn't help laughing.

This time I returned to the embrace of the motherland and was warmly welcomed by the people and the people, and I should first express my heartfelt thanks to the chairman. In the past few days, we have visited the Beijing area and seen with our own eyes the great achievements of the motherland's socialist construction, and we have been deeply moved. We are very happy that our country is growing stronger. Li Zongren talked to *** about his personal feelings after returning to China for a few days.

** nodded: "The motherland is a little stronger than in the past, but it is not very strong, and we will have to build it for at least another twenty or thirty years before we can become truly strong." ”

When Li Zongren talked about the desire of many overseas Chinese to return to the motherland, ** waved his hand vigorously and said loudly: ".We welcome anyone who goes overseas who is willing to come back, and we treat them with courtesy when they come back.

At 1 o'clock in the afternoon, ** and Li Zongren and Cheng Siyuan took a car to Fengze Garden, where they hosted a banquet to entertain Li Zongren and others.

At the beginning of 1966, Li Zongren and his wife visited their hometown after a 17-year absence, and revisited the landscape of Guilin. On this year's National Day, ** invited Li Zongren to participate in the celebration of the 17th anniversary of the National Day. On the upper floor of Tiananmen Square, ** walked towards Li Zongren and excitedly stretched out his hands to Li Zongren, and Li Zongren also stretched out his hands excitedly. Their hands, full of vicissitudes, were once again held together.

Then *** said to Li Zongren: ".Please take care of your health, the Communist Party will not forget you!

In August 1968, Li Zongren was diagnosed with rectal cancer. A few months later, as he entered the last moments of his life, he recalled his past experiences and couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion. He said to the staff around him: "My days will not last long. It is one of my greatest wishes that I can come back and die in my homeland.

Then he instructed that he bring back a lot of thread-bound books "Twenty-four History" and "Four Preparations" to the Guangxi Library, and the calligraphy and paintings to **. I also gave a few bottles of wine that had been treasured for many years and had been reluctant to drink to *** and ***

At 12 midnight on January 30, 1969, Li Zongren died of illness in Beijing at the age of 78.

On the occasion of his death, Li Zongren insisted on dictating a letter to *** and ***:

"When I returned to my home country from overseas in 1965, I was on the right path......In this great era, I deeply feel that it is an incomparably honorable ...... to be a part of the Chinese peopleAt the last moment of my death, I was deeply concerned about the future of the Kuomintang and all patriotic intellectuals who remained overseas. At present, they have only one way, and that is to return to the bosom of the motherland like me......”