Strive for the Agreement of the Dalai[1] and the Kashag[2] to Dismiss the Two Sicao[3]
(April 15, 1952)

To the Tibet Work Committee, and to be passed on to the Southwest Bureau:

The telegram[4] of 12:00 on April 14 has been received.

(1) It is very appropriate that you have not yet delivered the written notice from the Central Representative to the Dalai, but first had Jingwu[5] give an oral notification to the Dalai and the Kashag, explaining in detail the reasons for the dismissal and investigation of the two Sicao and our intentions.

(2) Since the Dalai is still hesitating and has not yet resolved to order the dismissal of the two Sicao, and at the same time the Kashag is going to hold a meeting on this matter, we should wait for the result of the Kashag meeting before deciding whether to hand the notice to the Dalai. If they decide to adopt the method of resignation to make the two Sicao step down, then the notice demanding their dismissal should not be sent out, and the jointly signed proclamation for dismissing the two Sicao will also not be needed.

(3) It is very necessary to make the Kalons[I] and other civil and military officials, as well as the lamas of the three major monasteries,[II] fully understand the heinous crimes of the two Sicao, their acts of military rebellion, and the inadmissibility of the illegal “People's Conference,” and through the Kalons to influence the Dalai, to make him resolve to dismiss the two Sicao (if the two Sicao do not resign, they should be dismissed). This will require several days or even more time. In any case, we have already concentrated our troops. No matter whether the reactionaries use civil or military methods to struggle against us, we can defeat them. Therefore, the two documents, the notice and the proclamation, will not be brought out for the time being. If a proclamation is to be issued in the future, it is best to let the Dalai issue it in his name alone. The draft can be prepared by the Kalons, revised by us, and then we persuade the Dalai to agree, and then it is issued. This would be more natural and would not make the Dalai and the various middle-of-the-road elements in the Tibetan government feel it is a humiliation. This point is very important, please pay attention to it.

Central Committee
4:00 a.m., April 15

[1]
Dalai, i.e., Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, was at the time one of the religious and political leaders of Tibet.
[2]
Kashag, the highest administrative body of the Local Government of Tibet at the time.
[3]
The two Sicao, refers to Lhukhangwa Tsewang Rabten and Lobsang Tashi of Benshutsang.
[4]
The report from the CCP Tibet Work Committee at 12:00 on April 14, 1952, to the Central Committee and the Southwest Bureau regarding the afternoon meeting between Zhang Jingwu and the Dalai on the 13th and other situations.
[5]
Jingwu, i.e., Zhang Jingwu, was at the time Secretary of the CCP Tibet Work Committee and Representative of the Central People's Government in Tibet.
[I]
Kalon, an administrative official post under the Silon in the Local Government of Tibet at the time.
[II]
The three major monasteries, i.e., Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, were the main monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet.