The Policy is Correct
(April 11, 1952)
To the Tibet Work Committee, and to be forwarded to the Southwest Bureau:
After receiving and having replied to your telegram of 21:00 hours on April 10, we received your telegram of April 7 regarding the circumstances of Comrade Zhang Jingwu[1] attending the Kashag[2] meeting. From this, it can be seen completely that not only the middle-of-the-roaders such as the Dalai[3], but also reactionaries like the two Sicao[4], dare not recognize this rebellion and the so-called “People’s Conference” as legitimate. Therefore, the policy adopted in your telegram of 21:00 hours on April 10—to dismiss the two Sicao, dissolve the “People’s Conference,” and investigate the chief instigators (i.e., those you call imperialist aggressive elements, namely Lhukhangwa, Lobsang Tashi, Surkhang[5], and others)—is entirely necessary and entirely appropriate. At the Kashag meeting, Jingwu pointed out three reasons why the “People’s Conference” is illegal (staging a rebellion, undermining unity, and opposing the Dalai), and also pointed out that, with the exception of the imperialist aggressive elements and Kuomintang special agents who directed this rebellion, no one else will be investigated, so as to reassure the majority; this is all very correct. However, the so-called imperialist aggressive elements should refer to the principal elements of the reactionary clique of Lhukhangwa, Lobsang Tashi, Surkhang, and others, who are also the important elements of the past Taktra[6] reactionary clique. Their number can be decided as things are gradually clarified; do not tie your own hands. In order to complete military preparations and to facilitate long-term sustainability, you must step up the stockpiling of grain and ammunition and the building of fortifications. In addition, oil, salt, and firewood must also be stockpiled. This is of the utmost importance.
The Central Committee
April 11

[1] Zhang Jingwu was at that time Secretary of the CPC Tibet Work Committee and Representative of the Central People’s Government in Tibet.
[2] The Kashag was at that time the highest administrative body of the local government of Tibet.
[3] The Dalai, i.e., the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was at that time one of the religious and political leaders of the locality of Tibet.
[4] Sicao means acting Silon. Silon was the highest administrative office under the Dalai. The two Sicao refer to Lhukhangwa Tsewang Rabten and Benshutsang Lobsang Tashi.
[5] Surkhang, i.e., Surkhang Wangchen Gelek, was at that time the Chief Kalön of the local government of Tibet.
[6] Taktra, i.e., Taktra Ngawang Sungrab, was formerly the Regent of Tibet and a core figure of the pro-imperialist separatist forces. In 1951, after the Dalai Lama assumed temporal power, his regency was terminated.