The series of documents from different sources, including the British Policy towards Tibet in 1945
Tibetan Precis by Richardson
A Secret British Document on Tibet (marked ‘For Official Use only’).
The Policy towards Tibet (1945)
I am directed to refer to your letter dated the 5th February 1945, in which the Government of India were asked to state their considered views on the whole question of policy towards Tibet, and in particular on the following points,
(1) The degree and nature of the autonomy which it is considered Tibet should enjoy and the significance to be attached to the conception of Chinese suzerainty;
(2) How far His Majesty’s Government and the Government of India should be prepared to go in support of Tibetan autonomy;
(3) The line to be adopted in any international discussion on of this subject and whether the initiative should be taken to encourage such international discussion.Indian Parliament on the issue of Tibet
Indian Parliament on the issue of Tibet
LOK SABHA DEBATES (1952 -2005)
Tibetan Parliamentary & Policy Research Centre is happy to bring out the compilation of debates, discussion and questions on Tibet or issues related to Tibet in both the houses of Indian Parliament in two volumes.
A Letter from Phuntsok Wangyal to Hu Jintao (2004)
Excerpts from: Witness to Tibet’s History
by Baba Phuntsok Wangyal Publisher : Paljor Publications Pvt. Ltd.
Respected General-Secretary Hu Jintao, my greetings!
At the time when you were selected as General Secretary at the CCP’s Sixteenth Congress I was in America giving lectures; I sent my telegraphed message of congratulations through the Chinese Embassy in New York. Recently you were additionally voted Chairman of the Military Committee, and for that I would like to express my sincere congratulations! And I believe that under the leadership of the Central Party Government, headed by you, there
will be great progress seen in all fields of the nation’s work!
Nationalities Policy by Baba Phuntok Wangyal (2004)
Excerpts from A Tibetan Revolutionary: The Political Life and Times of Bapa Phüntso Wangye by Melvyn C. Goldstein, Dawei Sherap, William R. Siebenschuh
In late 1980, I decided to participate actively in the major discussions that were in progress regarding revising the national constitution. I had experienced firsthand how individual leaders could ignore or reverse policies with relative ease, so I wanted the government to add clauses to the constitution that clearly spelled out the rights of nationalities. If this was done properly, these rights would not just be policies, they would be the law, and they would stand regardless of subsequent changes in leadership or future political campaigns.
Roadmap of Tibetan Independence by Wang Lixiong – 2008
This roadmap derives from the watershed. I had not taken the possibility of Tibetan independence into serious consideration before the incident in Tibet in 2008. It serves as the watershed that compels me to realize that Tibetan independence, for a long time being a fantasy, has turned into an emerging issue and reached the eyesight of the public. This change is brought by none other than the “anti-secession” institutions in China’s bureaucratic system.
Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan people – November 2008
Since the renewal of direct contact with the Central Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2002, extensive discussions have been held between the envoys of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and representatives of the Central Government. In these discussions we have put forth clearly the aspirations of Tibetans. The essence of the Middle Way Approach is to secure genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the scope of the Constitution of the PRC. This is of mutual benefit and based on the long-term interest of both the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.
The Way to Resolve the Tibet Issue by Zhang Boshu – 2008
Zhang was born in Beijing in 1955. He received an MA in economics from Zhongguo Renmin Daxue in 1982 and in 1985 passed the entrance examination for the Institute of Philosophy of the graduate school of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. His research has been on critical theory in continental Europe in modern western philosophy. He obtained MA and PhD degrees in philosophy in 1988 and 1991. He has held a post in the Philosophy Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences from 1991 to the present.
US Report on Tibet Negotiations As Required by Foreign Relations Authorization Act, 2003
The United States is pleased that the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoys were hosted by Chinese officials in Guilin, China, February 15 – 23, 2006 and that they had the opportunity to meet in Bern, Switzerland, June 29-30, 2005. These were the fourth and fifth meetings between the two sides since they renewed contact in September 2002. The other visits occurred in September 2002, May 2003, and September 2004. We have consistently urged Chinese officials to continue such contacts, and, in public statements and through diplomatic channels, have pressed for direct and substantive dialogue, without preconditions, that will lead to a negotiated settlement of outstanding differences.
TIBET: The International Mistake of the Century
The International Mistake of The Century explores the primary reasons why there has been no solution, nor significant move towards a solution, for the crisis in Tibet. A primary reason is that the United Nations, and individual Member States, have been conducting their decisions based on the false assumption that Tibet is not a “State”, but “an internal affair” of China. UN official records show this to be a mistake.
Statement from the Dalai Lama after the death of Deng Xiaoping – February 19, 1997
The demise of Mr. Deng Xiaoping is a great loss for China. I had known him personally when I visited China in 1954. Mr. Deng Xiaoping was a man of few words. He was a revolutionary and a great leader of China with an exceptional courage, perseverance, capability and leadership ability. Even in a large country that has a lot of problems there will certainly be some successes and some benefits. But as Mr. Deng was the leader of the Communist party’s totalitarian system, even if he personally wanted to do some good, the system itself dictates what to do…
The Dalai Lama’s letter to President Jiang Zemin – October 1995
I am deeply concerned about reports that the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima from Lhari district in Nagchu, Tibet, whom I have recognized as the reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama, is not known publicly since some time. The institution of the Panchen Lama is of great importance to Tibetan Buddhism and to the people of Tibet. It is, therefore, extremely important that his monastery, Tashi Lhunpo, is able to take care of the proper religious training of the young Panchen Lama.
Letter from Wei Jingsheng to Deng Xiaoping – October 3, 1992
Translation of Wei Jingshen’s letter to Deng Xiaoping in 1992. The letter shows a remarkable understanding of the Tibet situation.
Chinese White Paper on Tibet (Its Ownership) – 1992
White Paper: Tibet — Its Ownership
Published by the Information Office of the State Council of The People’s Republic of China (September 1992)
Memorandum from The Dalai Lama to Deng Xiaoping – September 1, 1992
It is an established fact that Tibet and China existed as separate countries in the past. However, as a result of misrepresentations of Tibet’s unique relationship with the Mongol and Manchu emperors, disputes arose between Tibet and the Kuomintang and present Chinese Governments…
Letter from George Bush (Sr.) to the Dalai Lama – July 21, 1992
Thank you for your recent letter reporting the resumption of dialogue between your brother and the authorities in Beijing…
Massacre on the Bakhor – 1989
450 Tibetans murdered in Lhasa riot of March ’ 89 — a Chinese journalist presents documentary evidence…
The Strasbourg Proposal – 1988
In front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Dalai Lama elaborates in his Peace Plan.
Letter from Dalai Lama to Rajiv Gandhi (October 7, 1987)
I hesitate to write again so soon after having written to you on September 8, 1987 before my departure for the United States. I am aware of the pressure on your time. However, because of the urgency of the matter I am compelled to encroach upon your precious time.
Tibet is culturally the child of India. Tibetans always consider India as a holy and sacred land. Today, in the hour of our great tragedy the Tibetan people pin our entire hope in India. There is a Tibetan saying, “the right place for a child to cry is before its mother”. As I have mentioned in my previous letter, I have presented the enclosed five-point proposal after I had spoken at the Human Rights Caucus at Capitol Hill. The response of the members of the U.S. Congress was most favourable. Chairmen of both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee endorsed my initiative and wrote to the Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang. Their move was supported by ranking members of both the committees. I enclose a copy of that letter here.
The Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet – 1987
The Dalai Lama presents to the US Congress a Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet. The Chinese governement never responded to this proposal.
Letter from the Dalai Lama to Rajiv Gandhi (September 8, 1987)
You will kindly recall that I had submitted to you two memorandum and a three-page letter on the issue of Tibet and its relevance to the security of India. At that time, I had also expressed the view that because of the rise in the tension on the Indo-Tibetan border it was an opportune time to review the Government of India’s policy on Tibet.
Memorandum from the Dalai Lama to Rajiv Gandhi (April 11, 1986)
I am submitting this memorandum which is related to my earlier memorandum of May 29, 1985.
I stated then that for the mutual benefit of both India and Tibet in the long run, there was a need for a careful review of the present policy of the Government of India. In this respect I would like to submit a few suggestions…
Correspondence between Dharamsala and Beijing (1981-1993)
Dharamsala and Beijing: initiatives and correspondence (1981-1993).
Letter from The Dalai Lama to Deng Xiaoping – March 23, 1981
Your Excellency, I agree with, and believe in the Communist ideology which seeks the well-being of human beings in general and the proletariat in particular, and in Lenin’s policy of equality of nationalities. Similarly, I was pleased with the discussions I had with Chairman Mao on ideology and policy towards nationalities…
The report of the General Secretary Hua Yaobang visit to Tibet – 1980
The General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Hua Yaobang visits Tibet and adresses the Party cadres. He admits some mistakes.
Foreign Relations of the United States – Questions pertaining to Tibet (1969-1972)
On August 1, 1969, the CIA prepared for the 303 Committee a 14-page update on regional intelligence activities that included information and recommendations concerning the Tibetan operations. The report stated in part..
Foreign Relations of the United States on Tibet – 1964-68
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondance concerning Tibet during the Johnson Administration (1964-68).
The Indian Statement on the Tibet question at the United Nations – 1965
For the first time in 1965, the Government of India takes a strong stand at the United Nations on the Tibet question.
The Secret Report of the 10th Panchen Lama (1962)
Report on the sufferings of the masses in Tibet and other Tibetan regions and suggestions for future work to the central authorities through the respected Premier Zhou Enlai (1962)
…Putting aside any personal purposes, sincere in the interests of the people and for the reputation of the Party, I would like to use today’s rare and excellent opportunity to report major matters concerning Tibet,together with that part which should be reported to the central authorities of some of the bitter circumstances in the Tibetan areas with which I became acquainted by direct and indirect methods when I visited provinces including Yunnan, Sichuan and Qinghai, which have jurisdiction over those areas.
Foreign Relations of the United States on Tibet – 1960-63
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondance concerning Tibet during the Kennedy Administration (1960-63).
The UN General Assembly Resolution on Tibet – 1959
The UN General Assembly Resolution passes a Resolution for the respect of the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people and for their distinctive cultural and religious life.
The Question of Tibet and the Rule of Law – 1959 (International Commission of Jurists)
The International Commission of Jurists Report on the Tibetan genocide.
Foreign relations of the United States – 1958-60
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondance concerning Tibet for the years 1958-60.
The Tezpur Statement -April 1959
Just after crossing the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh and seeking refugee in India in April 1959, the Dalai Lama made an important statement.
A speech of the Dalai Lama in Delhi – November 1956
Speech given by the Dalai Lama at the Symposium on Buddhism’s contribution to Art, Letters, and Philosophy on November 29, 1956, in New Delhi. The world celebrates the 2500th anniversary of Buddha’s birth.
Foreign Relations of the United States – 1955–1957 Volume III, China
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondence concerning Tibet during the Eisenhower Administration (1955-57).
The Seventeen-Point Agreement – May 23, 1951
The Tibetan nationality is one of the nationalities with a long history within the boundaries of China and, like many other nationalities, it has done its glorious duty in the course of the creation and development of the great Motherland. But, over the last 100 years or more, imperialist forces penetrated into China and in consequence a 150 penetrated into the Tibetan The Tibetan nationality is one of the nationalities with a long history within the boundaries of China and, like many other nationalities, it has done its glorious duty in the course of the creation and development of the great Motherland. But, over the last 100 years or more, imperialist forces penetrated into China and in consequence a 150 penetrated into the Tibetan region and earned out all kinds of deceptions and provocations.
Foreign Policy of the United States on Tibet – 1950
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondance concerning Tibet for the year 1950.
The appeal of the Dalai Lama to the United Nations – November 1950
One month after the invasion of his country, the Dalai Lama, temporal and spiritual leader of Tibet sends an appeal to the United Nations. It will be in vain.
A Telegram from Lhasa – October 23, 1950
Two weeks after the invasion of Tibet, the Lhasa government instructs its negotiators on the stand to take.
The legal Status of Tibet in 1949
Since the Chinese Revolution of 1911, when Chinese forces were withdrawn from Tibet, Tibet has enjoyed de facto independence. She has ever since regarded herself as in practice completely autonomous and has opposed Chinese attempts to reassert control.
Don’t rock the boat – December 1949
From the Foreign Relations of the United States (1949): exchanges of telegrams between the US Ambassador to India and the Secretary of State.
Foreign relations of the United States on Tibet – 1949
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondence concerning Tibet for the year 1949.
Foreign Relations of the United States on Tibet – 1947
Published by US State Department. Declassified correspondence concerning Tibet for the year 1947.
A telegram from the Governement of India – July 1947
The first communication of the Government of independent India to the Foreign Office of the Tibetan Government in Lhasa.
The Last Testament of the XIIIth Dalai Lama – 1933
A few months before passing away, Thubten Gyaltso, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama wrote a prophetic letter…