(September 16, 1950)
Comrades Liu, Zhou, Zhu, Ren, and Li Weihan[1]:
The issue of regional autonomy involves a wide range of areas, including Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Gansu, Xikang, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, western Hunan, and other places. In some cases, large-area governments like that of Inner Mongolia must be established; in others, small-area governments encompassing several counties must be set up; and in still others, governments at the level of a single county or district are needed. The delineation of territories, the provision of personnel by the localities themselves, policy guidance—there are many problems involved, and overall planning is required. Regarding the Eastern Tibet Autonomous Area mentioned in the telegram,[2] is it to be established on an equal footing with the Xikang Provincial Government, or is it to be subordinate to Xikang? What are its territorial boundaries? Was prior approval obtained from the Central Committee? Please have Weihan investigate and report back, or send a telegram of inquiry.
Mao Zedong
September 16
Transmitted via
Sichuan

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[1] Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Zhu refers to Zhu De. Ren refers to Ren Bishi. Li Weihan was then Director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Commission of the Central People’s Government.
[2] Refers to the telegram of September 6, 1950, from the CPC Xikang District Committee to the Southwest Bureau and to Zhang Guohua, Tan Guansan, and others of the 18th Army concerning the establishment of a people’s government for the Eastern Tibet Autonomous Area.