Letter to Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, and Others
(November 28, 1955)

Comrades Liu, Zhou, Chen, Xiaoping, Li Xiannian, and Li Weihan:

I had a discussion with Zhang Guohua. He proposed a plan to subsidize Tibet’s trade by an annual loss of 18 to 20 million yuan in order to keep prices low. I find this proposal highly worthy of consideration and believe it should be implemented. Since our arrival, grain prices have risen several times over, tea prices have doubled, and general merchandise has increased by sixty percent. This is extremely detrimental to the Tibetan people. If the situation continues, no reforms can be discussed, and ultimately it may lead to failure. Tibet cannot be compared with Xinjiang or Inner Mongolia; it is a very special region that requires special measures. The most viable approach at present is long-term economic subsidies. Tibet has a vast territory and its geological formation is relatively recent compared with many parts of the country, suggesting the potential for substantial mineral resources yet to be developed. A temporary financial loss now could well be recouped in the future. I request that Comrades Chen Yun, Li Xiannian, and Deng Xiaoping examine this matter and discuss it at a Secretariat meeting before Zhang Guohua departs.

[1]
Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Zhou refers to Zhou Enlai. Chen refers to Chen Yun, who at the time served as a member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Vice Premier of the State Council. Xiaoping is Deng Xiaoping, then Secretary-General of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council. Li Xiannian was Vice Premier of the State Council and Minister of Finance. Li Weihan was Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.
[2]
Zhang Guohua was Deputy Secretary of the CPC Tibet Working Committee and Commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s Tibet Military Region at the time.

Enclosure (I): Please review.
Mao Zedong
November 28

Return to Mao after reading.
[1]
Refers to a draft directive prepared by the CPC Central Committee concerning several issues in Tibet’s current work.