Who was the inventor of paper, the eunuch Cai Lun (Ts’ai Lun, 63—121) of the Eastern Han (25—221), or craftsmen of the Western Han (-206 to +24). This is an academic problem worthy of discussion. Debate on the issue was conducted in an atmosphere of free discussion during the period 1949-1979. However, since the Ministry of Light Industries and its Bureau of Papermaking intervened in this academic debate after 1979, it has skewed away from the normal track of academic discussion. The government organization has imposed its official view using its power and administrative resources, and regarded the theory that Cai Lun invented paper as a “final historical conclusion”. They have set up an academic forbidden zone in the name of “patriotism and defending the honor of the homeland”, and attacked any differing opinions. They distort the facts, producing counter-examinations and counter-dating of unearthed ancient paper fragments, in order to support their theory, finally making the “final adjudication on the debate of paper history” in the form of an official order. After a veto was put on their requests by the central authorities they still did not restrain themselves. The author, as an eyewitness who has taken part in this debate during the recent 30 years of controversy, reveals some facts about the real situation for consideration by Chinese and foreign readers who are concerned with this matter. Many first-hand materials are provided.