When the Tibetan representatives arrive in Beijing, we intend to use the established ten articles as the conditions for negotiation, striving to obtain the signatures of the Tibetan representatives, so that the ten articles become an agreement mutually consented to by both sides. If this can be achieved, then next year’s march into Lhasa will proceed somewhat more smoothly. After you occupy Chamdo, leave only three thousand men there to pass the winter; do not advance into Lhasa this year, and withdraw the main force to Garzê. From the Tibetan side’s perspective, this may be seen as a measure demonstrating our goodwill toward them. (3) The matter of the thirty aircraft is under preparation, but it requires time; in the short term, you should not count on it. (4) Your sixteen thousand men advancing from Garzê toward Chamdo will rely entirely on provisions carried by the troops and transported by yaks. Among them, three thousand men must have winter provisions, and the main force of thirteen thousand men preparing to withdraw must have at least three months’ provisions for the round trip. Whether Garzê already has such a quantity of provisions, and whether the troops and yaks have such a large transport capacity, I still hope you will investigate and report. (5) In places like Chamdo, it may be possible to purchase a portion of grain and meat. Have you already prepared a batch of gold and silver as well as goods needed by the Tibetan people, such as silk and tea, to take along?
Mao Zedong
August 23

[I] Refers to the ten conditions (i.e., the ten policies) for the peaceful liberation of Tibet drafted by the Southwest Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on May 27, 1950, and subsequently approved by the CPC Central Committee, for negotiations with the Tibetan authorities. The ten conditions are:
(1) The Tibetan people shall unite to expel the aggressive forces of British and American imperialism from Tibet. The Tibetan people shall return to the great family of the motherland—the People’s Republic of China.
(2) Regional national autonomy shall be implemented in Tibet.
(3) The various existing political systems in Tibet shall be maintained in their original form and shall not be altered. The status and powers of the Dalai Lama shall not be changed, and officials at all levels shall continue to hold their posts as usual.
(4) Freedom of religion shall be practiced; lamaseries shall be protected; the religious beliefs, customs, and habits of the Tibetan people shall be respected.
(5) The existing military system in Tibet shall be maintained and shall not be altered. The existing Tibetan army shall become part of the national defense forces of the People’s Republic of China.
(6) The language, script, and school education of the Tibetan nationality shall be developed.
(7) Agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and commerce in Tibet shall be developed, and the people’s livelihood shall be improved.
(8) All matters concerning reforms in Tibet shall be resolved entirely in accordance with the will of the Tibetan people, through consultation between the Tibetan people and the Tibetan leading personnel.
(9) As for those officials who were formerly pro-British and American or pro-Kuomintang, so long as they sever their relations with British and American imperialism and the Kuomintang and do not engage in sabotage or resistance, they shall all continue to hold office without exception, and their past shall not be blamed.
(10) The People’s Liberation Army shall enter Tibet to consolidate national defense. The People’s Liberation Army shall abide by all the above-listed policies. The funds of the People’s Liberation Army shall be supplied entirely by the Central People’s Government. The People’s Liberation Army shall practice fair buying and selling.