Chapter 10 2. Zhou Enlai's struggle against February

A large number of facts and studies have shown that Zhou Enlai has always had a close relationship with the February protest.As the host of the "Huirentang meeting", Zhou Enlai did not stop the veteran comrades from speaking fiercely at the climax of the "big riot" on February 16.During the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, he remained almost silent.It was only when the angry Tan Zhenlin was about to leave the meeting halfway that Zhou Enlai called him back loudly.In addition, when Li Xiannian mentioned that the overthrow of a large number of veteran cadres began with the 13th editorial of the "Red Flag" magazine in 1966, which criticized the "bourgeois reactionary line", Zhou Enlai, who deeply felt the same way, questioned Kang Sheng and Chen Boda on the spot: "Such a big matter, Why don't you ask us to take a look?"

It is true that, considering Zhou Enlai's status, it was inappropriate for him to directly criticize the "Cultural Revolution" at this time; but as the meeting host, he did not blame those old comrades who fought hard, nor did he stop the meeting from proceeding.In the eyes of the old comrades present at the meeting, it was enough for Zhou Enlai to do so, which was tantamount to expressing his attitude. More importantly, in the days before and after the "big riot at Huairen Hall", Zhou Enlai also expressed the same views as the old comrades on many other occasions one after another, although there were differences in the way of expression.

Regarding the leadership of the party, he repeatedly emphasized: the power of the central government and the leadership of the party cannot be taken away.He pointed out: Party committees cannot be asked to "stand aside." The party groups and party committees of all ministries must be restored and exercise their powers. Ministers and directors are still in charge, and the work of the political department must also be resumed. Regarding the treatment of cadres, he reiterated: Veteran cadres are the wealth of the party, and they should not be engaged in endless struggles, seized, and even put on top hats, "jetted", photographed, and published in newspapers; this is not Chairman Mao's style, it is The bad style of the "Left" line is a uglification of serious political struggles.He said angrily: Is it okay to knock down all the old cadres?Is it possible to draw the conclusion that the leading cadres are all those in power taking the capitalist road?I feel sad and sad when I think of this.Now is the critical moment, I have to speak, otherwise, I will commit a crime.

With regard to stabilizing the military, he pointed out that incidents of attacking military institutions and fighting against military cadres are happening everywhere, and a wave of attacks on the PLA has formed across the country; this is not for the sake of the overall interests of the country, but distrust and lack of love for the PLA , It is to discredit the face of the People's Liberation Army. Zhou Enlai's remarks above clearly expressed his views on several important issues at that time, especially on the issue of "three principles", which can be said to be unambiguous and clear-cut.Compared with the period when the "Cultural Revolution" was launched, Zhou Enlai's understanding at this time was not only aimed at the methods and methods of this "revolution", but also inevitably touched the purpose and consequences of this "revolution" on many major issues .

While seeing that Zhou Enlai and the old comrades had the same understanding in the struggle against the "three principles", it should also be noted that Zhou Enlai was clearly different from the veteran comrades who participated in the struggle in terms of specific methods of struggle.The reason why Zhou Enlai chose different methods of struggle was largely because he knew very well how important and special his status and role were.This is concentrated in his relationship with the Central Cultural Revolution Group that exploited and expanded Mao Zedong's mistakes.Zhou Enlai did not have any position in the Central Cultural Revolution Group, but he often had to attend the meetings of the Central Cultural Revolution Group, and even went to his place of residence to "office" regularly.

This very complex and delicate relationship between the "New Cultural Revolution" and the "old government" both confronted and worked together, forced him to handle everything with extreme caution and weigh the consequences of every word and deed.Under such circumstances, it is more appropriate to describe Zhou Enlai's situation with the words "like facing an abyss, like walking on thin ice".However, it is precisely on this issue that some people may still find it difficult to understand Zhou Enlai, and even cannot forgive him for the words or wrong words he said or did against his will or wrong things.In some people's eyes, the reason why Zhou Enlai could not face-to-face and openly protest against the "Central Cultural Revolution Group" like other veteran comrades seemed to be some kind of weakness, and it was even considered as a need for personal protection.In this regard, many domestic and foreign scholars have expressed different opinions. For example, some books pointed out: "Zhou Enlai did not take the case to deny the 'Cultural Revolution. At that time, if Zhou Enlai took the case, the result would be nothing more than two possibilities: first, not only could he not continue to play a neutral role in the "Cultural Revolution", but more people would be overthrown and more leadership would be taken away; Splitting, splitting the country, splitting the army. No matter what kind of possibility becomes a reality, the party, the country, and the people will suffer more serious disasters." Some scholars believe that Zhou Enlai's "cautious words and deeds" during the "Cultural Revolution" were not due to He is afraid of taking risks. In his revolutionary career for more than half a century, he has always been fearless in the face of danger, unafraid of sacrifice, and strong-willed, there is no doubt about it”; it was only because of the specific situation of the “Cultural Revolution” that he had to "Choosing a more difficult and painful path than speaking out and sacrificing oneself".In short, for the highest interests of the party and the people, due to the different specific situations, and even the differences in personal experience and personality, the specific methods of struggle adopted by each person will be different.

The "Historical Resolution" pointed out that Zhou Enlai "was in a very difficult position during the 'Cultural Revolution'. He took the overall situation into consideration and worked hard without complaint. In order to continue the normal work of the party and the country, to minimize the losses caused by the 'Cultural Revolution', to protect the A large number of cadres inside and outside the party have made unremitting efforts and exhausted their hearts. He has carried out various forms of struggle against the sabotage of the Lin Biao and Jiang Qing counter-revolutionary cliques." The historical evaluation of Zhou Enlai's status, role and struggle methods also includes and applies to Zhou Enlai in the February 1967 struggle.