The Chinese delegation states that the Communist Party of China will subordinate itself to the decisions of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. This seems strange to us. A party of one state subordinating itself to the party of another state. Such a thing has never occurred, and it is impermissible. Both parties must bear responsibility before their peoples, mutually consult on certain questions, mutually assist each other, and in the event of difficulties, closely rally both parties — that is correct. Today's session of the Politburo with your participation is one form of connection between our parties. That is how it should be.

...We are very grateful for such respect, but certain thoughts that we express must not be taken as directives. One might say that these are a kind of fraternal advice. And this is not only in words but also in deeds. We can advise you, but we cannot give you directives, since we are insufficiently informed about the situation in China, cannot compare with you in knowledge of the details of that situation, but the main thing is that we cannot give directives because Chinese affairs must be decided entirely by you. We cannot decide them for you.

You must understand, continued I.V. Stalin, the importance of the position you occupy and that the mission entrusted to you is of historic, unprecedented significance. And this is by no means a compliment. It speaks only of how great your responsibility and historic mission are.

An exchange of views between our two parties is necessary, but our views should by no means be taken as directives. The Communist Parties of other countries may reject our proposal. And we, of course, may also disagree with proposals of the Communist Parties of other countries.

Recorded by I.V. Kovalev

Rakhmanin O.B. Stalin and Mao // Dossier. 2000. No. 3. P. 10.