As everyone knows, the Soviet Union was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with New China, and the friendship between Chairman Mao and Stalin was also very deep.
On October 1, 1949, when the founding ceremony of New China was held, Chairman Mao solemnly read out the "Proclamation on the Founding of New China" at the Tiananmen Tower, which contained the following passage: Declare to all governments that this government is the only legitimate government representing the people of the people of the People's Republic of China. Any foreign Government that wishes to abide by the principles of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty is willing to establish diplomatic relations with it.
Just two hours after the founding ceremony, the Soviet government sent a note to Chairman Mao, that is, to recognize the People's Republic of China, so the Soviet Union became the first country to establish diplomatic relations with New China.
Pictured| Chairman Mao in Moscow
Under the leadership of the Soviet Union, more than a dozen countries in Europe and Asia have successively recognized New China, making The status of New China in the world also become very important.
With the establishment of friendly diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and our country, Chairman Mao decided to visit the Soviet Union and establish a beautiful friendship with Stalin. In fact, this friendship is very difficult, as early as before the founding of New China, Chairman Mao proposed to go to Moscow, but Stalin refused, because Stalin was very entangled, he did not know the direction of the Chinese civil war. Now that the Kuomintang was defeated and the new China was founded, Vientiane was renewed, and the time was ripe, and when Chairman Mao again offered to visit the Soviet Union, Stalin readily agreed.
Figure | founding ceremony
Selecting gifts for Stalin, he specially instructed: Don't let Jiang Qing interfere
On this trip to the Soviet Union, Chairman Mao had one important thing to do, that is, to celebrate Stalin's birthday. It was just in time for Stalin's 70th birthday. Our beloved Chairman Mao never had a decent birthday in his life, but when he heard that Stalin was celebrating his birthday, he couldn't wait to prepare gifts for him.
In fact, this gift is not only a gift between Chairman Mao and Stalin personally, but represents a state gift. As the leader of the new China, Chairman Mao's gift was of great significance, so before going to the Soviet Union, preparations had already begun.
Chairman Mao attached great importance to the preparation of this gift and immediately handed it over to Ren Bishi to handle. Ren Bishi spent a long time in the Soviet Union and knew Stalin better, so in Ren Bishi's eyes, this gift had two requirements, the first: to appear very precious and hard-won; second: to highlight the traditional Chinese characteristics, there must be a sense of "deliberate".
Figure | Ren Bishi
After the news was sent, the leaders arranged the matter, and the content was: What gifts should be sent to Stalin?
In those days, the central government held many meetings to discuss this matter, and in the list of hundreds of copies handed in by everyone, there were various gifts, including blue and white porcelain vases, Blue Flower Porcelain Vases of the Qing Dynasty, Cloisonné Roasted Blue Tea Sets, Ivory Carved Large Vases and Dragon Boats, as well as black tea, green tea, Longjing tea, and so on, and even green onions, cabbage, and even apples at home.
This made Ren Bi sad, seeing that the time to leave was coming, and he had not yet thought of any gifts to give. In fact, the reason why Ren Bishi was worried like this was also reasonable, at that time China was newly born, the national economy as a whole was still in a new state, there was no decent "national treasure", and there was no advanced invention that could be taken.
This matter reached Jiang Qing's ears, and she took the initiative to join the team of selecting gifts. Jiang Qing went to Moscow in 1949 as Chairman Mao's wife and was treated and praised by Stalin, so Jiang Qing thought that she herself should be able to choose gifts and know what Stalin liked. When Chairman Mao knew that Jiang Qing was very annoyed when he chose gifts, on the one hand, this matter involved the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries for the first time and could not be sloppy; on the other hand, Jiang Qing was a little self-righteous in Chairman Mao's eyes, and she was the chairman's wife, and mixing these things affected the normal thinking of the staff.
On that day, seeing that the time for departure was approaching, Chairman Mao summoned Yang Shangkun of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee to his office and asked, "Have you chosen the gifts you want to bring when you go abroad?" Yang Shangkun said: "After choosing some, we have not yet decided, and now Comrade Jiang Qing is helping us to choose together." ”
Chairman Mao's face suddenly darkened when he heard Yang Shangkun's words, and Chairman Mao shouted at Yang Shangkun with a cigarette in his hand: "Choose gifts, you and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can choose, why let Jiang Qing choose with you, don't let her interfere, she doesn't understand, you choose well and let the premier decide!" ”
Pictured| Chairman Mao and Jiang Qing
Yang Shangkun saw that Chairman Mao was so angry, and quickly explained: "Chairman, we found Comrade Jiang Qing and helped us to do it. ”
Chairman Mao knew that Yang Shangkun was saying good things to Jiang Qing, so he said: "Don't look for her, she doesn't understand this aspect, this is dealing with foreigners." In fact, Chairman Mao was still uneasy about Jiang Qing's handling of affairs, and he was stunned that he did not give Yang Shangkun a chance.
Yang Shangkun said grievously: "Comrade Jiang Qing just returned from the Soviet Union, and she said that she knew better. ”
Chairman Mao suddenly stood up from his seat and said in a loud voice, "Why do you have to let her intervene?" ”
Yang Shangkun had never seen Chairman Mao so angry, quickly followed Chairman Mao's wishes, and made a detailed report, and handed this list of gifts to Chairman Mao with both hands, and Chairman Mao took it and said: "For more than a year, I want to go to see Stalin and I have not had the opportunity, until today, I finally have a chance." In the past, Stalin had both support and distrust of us. Now that our Party has seized power and gone to the door to pay respects to shou on its own initiative, I don't know how this ancient and rare elder brother feels. ”
Yang Shangkun heard that Chairman Mao attached great importance to this matter and did not want to have a problem in any link. Although choosing gifts is not a big deal, but now Chairman Mao has to personally inquire about it, and Yang Shangkun is full of guilt.
Pictured| Chairman Mao
Seeing this list, Chairman Mao was also a little embarrassed to choose, but he gave special instructions on vegetables and fruits, and drafted a telegram, which was sent to the Shandong branch, which read:
On the 70th birthday of Comrade Stalin on the 21st day of December this year, the Central Committee decided to send the rhubarb sprouts, turnips, green onions, and large pears produced in Shandong as a birthday gift, and it was necessary to purchase 5,000 catties of each one before December 4, for a total of 20,000 catties. Pay attention to choosing the best. The central government will send a chartered plane to Jinan to pick up the transportation.
When Yang Shangkun saw Chairman Mao's instructions, he was a little confused, and these fruit gifts were the first to be excluded by Yang Shangkun. But Chairman Mao told him that the reason why he added these cabbages, radishes and green onions to the gifts was mainly to make Stalin feel a sense of intimacy through these common things in the homes of ordinary people, and these vegetables were also souvenirs for the Chinese people to visit relatives.
In fact, Chairman Mao thought deeply and farsightedly, and using such gifts would actually convey to the Soviet Union a signal of "being close to the Soviet Union" and ask the Soviet Union to give some assistance to New China; logically speaking, the first time diplomatic relations were established, it was indeed necessary to send some gifts of the level of "national treasures," but Chairman Mao always thought of the people, proceeded from reality, did not engage in those false things, sent anything, and did not send anything if it did not. (The last personal gift to Stalin was silk and screens)
Picture | Chinese screen
Before leaving for the Soviet Union, these gifts were filled with two trains, both of which were bought for money, but Chairman Mao himself was reluctant to buy a new coat when he was going to meet the guests.
Remember, don't make me clothes in the future
Just as Yang Shangkun and Chairman Mao were discussing gifts, Chairman Mao's chief guard, Li Jiaji, was called away by Jiang Qing. When Li Jiaji came to Jiang Qing, he knew that Jiang Qing was inquiring about Chairman Mao's selection of gifts. Jiang Qing knew that Chairman Mao did not let Jiang Qing meddle in the matter of gifts for the sake of the overall situation, and Li Jiaji did not say much, but only told Jiang Qing that the next step was to prepare the national uniform for the chairman.
Although Jiang Qing was the president's wife, she no longer dared to meddle in Chairman Mao's state service. This matter was entrusted to Premier Zhou and Li Yinqiao.
Premier Zhou believes that according to international practice, people who go abroad to meet should wear black, but Chairman Mao does not wear a suit and can only make an overcoat. Finally, the prime minister decided: make a black coat, black leather shoes, black socks. When Li Yinqiao told Chairman Mao about this, Chairman Mao was unhappy again, and he said: How can a country go out of its way to cause such trouble, I will not wear black.
Pictured| the coat Chairman Mao wore when he arrived in Moscow
In fact, Li Yinqiao knew that although this was Chairman Mao's character, it was also Chairman Mao's true idea, and it cost money to make new clothes, which was too wasteful. In the end, Li Yinqiao had to find Premier Zhou to do Chairman Mao's work. Premier Zhou said to Chairman Mao: "Chairman, this is the first time we have established diplomatic relations, and we cannot let foreigners laugh at us and we do not understand the rules." After listening to Premier Zhou's theory, Chairman Mao said helplessly: "Well, then make a set of black and a set of gray." ”
Premier Zhou was a meticulous person, taking into account Chairman Mao's habits and the uncertain time of going out, he made two sets of black and gray, and when Chairman Mao knew that he had made four sets in total, he was uneasy, he said: "There are too many and too many, how much does it cost, New China was just founded, and I Mao Zedong also began to waste?" Remember, don't make me clothes in the future, these clothes are enough for me to wear for the rest of my life. (Since then, Chairman Mao has not made new clothes for 9 years, and he has worn a single pajama for 20 years.) ）
At 6:00 p.m. on December 6, 1949, Chairman Mao, dressed in an overcoat and a fur hat, and his entourage, Ye Zilong, Wang Dongxing, and Chen Boda, left Fengze Garden in Zhongnanhai and boarded a special train bound for Moscow at the Xizhimen Railway Station.
Picture | chairman's car
American trains don't work
The inside of this train is very beautiful, Chairman Mao noticed as soon as he got on the train, this train is a bit luxurious, there are offices, bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms, and even a special secretary's room. Chairman Mao said happily, "Where did this train come from?" ”
Train captain Teng Daiyuan hurriedly said: "Chairman, this train was given to Chiang Kai-shek by the Americans, but the old Chiang Kai-shek has not sat once and has become our spoils of war." Chairman Mao was very happy to hear this and laughed happily. Then Mao Anying also sat down, accompanied his father, and looked out the window.
The train slowly entered the northeast, when the northeast was frozen for thousands of miles, and the temperature inside the car had dropped sharply, and the temperature meter showed that it was already minus thirty degrees. Chairman Mao sat in front of the car window and looked into the distance like that, and Mao Anying came over to his father and said, "Father, go to sleep for a while." Chairman Mao shook his head and said, "Kishi Ying, guess who I have in mind?" ”
Mao Anying did not know and wanted to hear what his father said, and Chairman Mao told Mao Anying that he remembered many of his relatives, and when he saw Moscow, he remembered He Zizhen, Jiaojiao, and many comrades from Moscow. Mao Anying saw that his father's eyes were moist, so he draped his coat on Chairman Mao. As far as the eye can see, it is all in the past, and Chairman Mao is also reasonable to think of He Zizhen, who once left him for the Soviet Union.
The train passed through the snow-capped mountains and over the Daxing'an Mountains, and was about to reach the Soviet Union, but the temperature in the carriage was getting lower and lower, even reaching 5 degrees Celsius, and the train was getting slower and slower, and the people on board felt infinite cold.
Pictured| Chairman Mao on a train
Chairman Mao sat up from his bed and said to everyone: "This train is either cold or cannot be pulled, and it is slower than an old cow. When Li Jiaji saw chairman Mao get up, he quickly put on a coat for Chairman Mao.
Hearing Chairman Mao talking, Wang Dongxing quickly ran over and said, "Chairman, is it too cold, the heating pipe on the car is frozen." ”
Li Jiaji said: "Hey, Minister Teng is trying to find a way, he has found a problem from Changchun, and he has not been able to solve it." ”
Chairman Mao smiled and said, "It seems that you have not yet understood this American goods, or this American train is not working." ”
Mao Zedong looked at the thick snow outside the car window, and then said to Li Jiaji: "American things are so smart, I have never believed, some people are superstitious about foreign goods, how, the result is to harm themselves." ”
In this way, Chairman Mao persisted in the cold carriage to Moscow, and when he was about to get off the train, Chairman Mao sighed and said, "Let's go." The car was frozen, and I was ready to freeze into a popsicle. ”
Pictured | Stalin
Chairman Mao explained why the birthday gift to Stalin was green onions
On December 16, after a 10-day trek, Chairman Mao arrived in Moscow. Senior Soviet officials who came to greet him were: Molotov, member of the Political Bureau of the CPSU Central Committee and vice chairman of the Council of Ministers, Marshal Bulganin, Minister of Defense, Menshkov, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Gromyko, vice minister of foreign affairs.
At 6 p.m., Chairman Mao and his party arrived at the Kremlin, and Stalin stood at the door of his office to greet them.
Picture | Chairman Mao arrives in Moscow
As soon as he met Chairman Mao, Stalin asked, "How?" Safe along the way, right? Chairman Mao smiled and said, "It's all right, my old friend Chiang Kai-shek is very concerned about my trip, and he will definitely give me some small moves, but we have taken very strict measures." ”
Stalin understood Chairman Mao's meaning and hurriedly said: "Congratulations and congratulations, you have won a great victory, and your contribution to China is also very great, sincere congratulations." ”
Chairman Mao said: "On behalf of the Chinese people, I came to the Soviet Union this time to sincerely thank the Soviet people for their support and help, and Chinese people will not forget their friends!" ”
In the history of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, in 1945, the Kuomintang government and the Soviet Union signed the "Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance", but this was an unequal treaty, so Chairman Mao believed that after the founding of New China, the treaty signed by the previous government should be abolished and a new treaty should be re-signed.
But Stalin initially expressed reservations about this proposal, saying: "Before you came, we at the Central Committee of the Cpsu also held a meeting, and we, believing that the treaty of 1945 could not be changed for the time being and must be retained. ”
Chairman Mao said that the original treaty was signed by the Kuomintang, and since the Kuomintang had been defeated and retreated to Taiwan, this treaty had no significance in existing. Chairman Mao also raised the issue of hoping that the Soviet Union would grant loans and the air and naval assistance needed for the liberation of Taiwan.
Pictured| Stalin's birthday feast
In fact, Stalin avoided these questions, that is, to look at the attitude of the new China. On December 21, Stalin's seventieth birthday was held as scheduled, and at the birthday banquet, Stalin specially invited Chairman Mao to sit next to him and let Chairman Mao be the first to speak. Chairman Mao's speech at that time was as follows:
Dear comrades and friends,
It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this grand meeting to celebrate the seventieth birthday of Comrade Stalin.
Comrade Stalin was a mentor and friend to the people of the world and to the people of the Chinese. He developed the Marxist-Leninist theory of revolution and made an extremely outstanding and broad contribution to the cause of the world communist movement. Chinese people deeply felt the importance of Comrade Stalin's friendship in their arduous struggle against the oppressors.
At this grand meeting, I would like to celebrate Comrade Stalin's seventieth birthday in the name of the Chinese people and the Communist Party of China, to wish him health and longevity, to wish our great friend, the Soviet Union, happiness and strength under the leadership of Comrade Stalin, and to hail the unprecedented unity of the working class of the world under the leadership of Comrade Stalin.
Long live the world working class and the leader of the international communist movement, the great Stalin!
Long live the SOVIET Union, the fortress of world peace and democracy!
Pictured| Chairman Mao at Stalin's birthday banquet
Although Chairman Mao's congratulatory message was very inspiring, he was not very happy in his heart, as can be seen from this photograph, mainly because the talks before the banquet were not very satisfied, and Stalin avoided talking about many issues.
After the banquet, Chairman Mao once again approached Stalin for talks on the re-signing of the treaty, but Stalin always had his own set of arguments. Chairman Mao once said to Mao Anying: Our newborn country is still very poor and backward in all aspects, and this will be beaten. Now it seems that this is indeed the case.
After many meetings were not satisfied, Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou put pressure on Stalin through domestic and foreign cooperation, and Chairman Mao said: In a few days I will leave, and my current task is three: eat,, and sleep. ”
In cooperation with Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou published the news that "India and Myanmar are about to establish diplomatic relations with our country." Stalin could not resist it, and it would not be easy to deal with it if these small countries seized the opportunity. In fact, Stalin was deliberately stalling for time, wanting to see Chairman Mao's determination, but he did not know that Chairman Mao had always been meticulous and that it took a long time just to select gifts for him.
Pictured| Zhou Enlai arrived in Moscow to sign the agreement
Finally Stalin was impressed by Chairman Mao's sincerity and agreed to Premier Zhou's coming to Moscow to sign the treaty. Mao's strategy was successful, which also announced the complete success of Mao Zedong's first visit to the Soviet Union. On February 17, Chairman Mao embarked on the journey back to China, and when he returned to China, Chairman Mao was particularly happy and kept talking to the staff, and the staff at that time was particularly curious about why Chairman Mao chose so many vegetables to give to Stalin. For both of us, there is always a stomach full of gas. Now sending him green onions and turnips can be smooth, which is a gift in one fell swoop. ”
Pictured| Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou had a cordial conversation as they left Moscow
Chairman Mao's trip laid the foundation for New China to build a socialist road in a frenzied manner, and also played a leading role in the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations with various countries. In the face of Stalin's indifferent treatment, Chairman Mao was able to calm down and do his homework, and finally won success.
Weak countries have not established diplomatic relations, and from Chairman Mao's handling of every little thing, we can see that Chairman Mao, as the founder of new China, has paid too much and too much. It is precisely because of this friendly establishment of diplomatic relations in the Soviet Union that Chairman Mao determined the image of New China in the future. Later, when the United States invaded the Korean Peninsula and threatened China's territorial sovereignty and security, Chairman Mao and the Party Central Committee resolutely decided to send troops to Korea to defend the country! (End of this article)