Comment on and Reply to a Letter from the Dalai Lama[1]

(July 11 and August 18, 1952)

Forward to the Nationalities Affairs Commission for handling. It seems appropriate to send a reply, to be taken back by the representatives.

Mao Zedong
July 11

Five taels of gold, one container of saffron, and one khata scarf: Comrade Tian Jiaying,[2] please arrange for their deposit with the Nationalities Affairs Commission.

Mr. Dalai Lama:

Your letter of May 14 (the 20th day of the third month in the Water Dragon year of the Tibetan calendar) and the accompanying gifts have been received. Thank you for your kindness.

It is very good that the local government of Tibet and the people, both monastic and lay, all hope to build up Tibet’s industry and commerce and develop its economy. The Central People’s Government will certainly assist you so that Tibet’s economy may gradually prosper and the people’s livelihood may steadily improve.

Enclosed with this letter are one 16mm film projector (together with one copy each of the films *The Victory of the Chinese People* and *The Great Unity of the Chinese Nationalities*) and two bolts of yellow satin. Please confirm receipt.

Wishing you good health!

Mao Zedong
August 18, 1952

---

[1] The Dalai Lama, namely Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, one of the religious leaders of Tibet.
[2] Tian Jiaying, then serving as Mao Zedong’s secretary.