This issue highlights speeches delivered during the Fourth Major Conference of the Scientific Planning Commission. It also includes sections on the national science and technology research plan, reorganizing national and local libraries for efficient research, addressing issues in archive and data management, improving the production, repair, and supply of scientific equipment, and enhancing chemical production.

Mao orders several military districts in China to copy the organizational methods of the Chinese People’s Volunteers and carry out hygiene work.

Mao Zedong's comment on a report from Nie Rongzhen on the dropping of insects over North Korea by the United States.

Following the report by Chen Yi, Ye Jianying, Nie Rongzhen, and Xu Xiangqian, Chen Yi makes additional recommendations for high-level negotiations to improve Sino-American relations.

Four Chinese marshals examine recent Sino-American-Soviet relations. They recommend that China remains firm in negotiating with the two powers, both of which may be looking to strategically exploit China.

China asked three representatives from DPRK to prepare to receive the ethnic Korean troops.

In the wake of a deepening Sino-Soviet split, Zhou Enlai explains how to manage Chinese bilateral technological and educational exchanges. Above all, Zhou emphasizes the importance of Chinese self-reliance in innovation and education as the country moves forward.

Nie Rongzhen reports to Mao on scientific and technical issues and Soviet assistance and cooperation in the area of nuclear development. The Chinese were becoming frustrated by what they called the Soviet "stranglehold" on key technical data, and led to an unwanted feeling of dependence on their Soviet comrades.

A letter to Zhou Enlai informing him that the industrial development plan for China's atomic energy program has not been finalized and that the technical agreement with the Soviet Union must be delayed.