The Complete Works of Mao Zedong
Volume 34

In our country, many places are still very backward, and Xizang is also backward, this is something that should be acknowledged. It is beneficial for us to acknowledge backwardness; we can learn from advanced countries, learn from the Soviet Union. In this way, we learn from advanced nationalities and countries, and internally our various nationalities learn from each other, unite intimately, and build together. Then, all our nationalities will have hope, and the entire country will have hope.

Dalai: Although the time we spent visiting each place was very short, because of the brotherly relationship, we got along very harmoniously in a very short time.
Just as the Chairman has instructed, the conditions in all aspects of our Xizang are very backward. But we can assure the Chairman that under your and the Communist Party of China's leadership, we will certainly do all the work in Xizang well and continuously improve.

Mao: It does not matter if you are backward. In the Han areas, there are also many backward places, just like Xizang; they will all be managed well in the future.

Panchen: In the past, due to the oppression of the Guomindang reactionaries and imperialism, Xizang was very backward. But under the leadership of Chairman Mao, we have the confidence to unite the people of Xizang and develop Xizang's various construction undertakings to make it progress.

Mao: I have confidence. Under the leadership of you two, the affairs of Xizang will certainly be done well. But do not be hasty, take it slowly. {Therefore, matters must obtain the agreement of the majority. Of course, after three to five years, there will still be people who oppose doing good things, but the opposers will not be the common people, but the aristocrats, officials, headmen, and the kanbu[1] of the monasteries, etc. You should educate them like teachers, and patiently unite with them.

We do not approve of you not advancing at all. We welcome your progress, but you should work in unity with everyone according to the actual situation, and not become anxious because you have seen some construction and development in the interior. In the past, some Communist Party members went to the Soviet Union to visit.

[1] Kanbu, a title for a clerical position in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

After seeing the advanced situation in the Soviet Union, they also became a bit anxious upon their return, wanting to accomplish many good things at once, but the conditions were not ripe, and good things turned into bad things.

In doing things, you should consult extensively with everyone. For example, the issue of the Zang currency[1], at first the Gaxag[2] did not agree. You explained to them and solicited their opinions; this was done very well, you are very capable of handling affairs. When we handle affairs in the Central Government, we also frequently solicit the opinions of local governments and consult with you. Please rest assured, we will not force you to do anything.

[1] After the peaceful liberation of Xizang, some problems brought about by the non-unification of the Zang currency and the Renminbi currency systems hindered the economic development of Xizang. The relevant central departments and the Xizang Work Committee consulted with the local government of Xizang to stop the printing and issuance and to gradually withdraw the Zang currency. In January 1955, the Dalai Lama and Apei Awang Jinmei proposed that the central finance provide 4 million silver dollars to the Xizang government to exchange for and withdraw the Zang currency, and at the same time requested that the central finance provide 700,000 silver dollars annually to subsidize the fiscal deficit of the local government of Xizang, to gradually transition to the sole use of Renminbi in the Xizang region. This was approved by Premier of the State Council Zhou Enlai. After the quelling of the Xizang rebellion in 1959, the Zang currency was redeemed by the Xizang branch of the People's Bank of China and completely ceased to circulate.
[2] Gaxag, the highest administrative body of the local government of Xizang at that time.