Letter to the Dalai Lama[I]
(August 18, 1956)

Dear Dalai Lama:
Both letters you sent me have been received, and I am very pleased.
The Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region has already been established, has won the support of the people of all ethnicities, and everyone is satisfied.
Regarding the issue of social reform in Tibet, I have heard that discussions have already begun, which is very good. The time is not yet ripe for implementing reforms. Let everyone talk it over and first make full mental preparations. When everyone has thought it through and all aspects have been properly arranged, then proceed. This way, there will be fewer disturbances, and it is best to have no disturbances at all. Some disturbances have occurred in Sichuan, mainly instigated there by pro-imperialist elements and remnant Kuomintang elements, and there were also shortcomings in our work. I hope that the Tibet side will do its utmost to avoid disturbances.
Vice Premier Chen Yi has returned and conveyed your views. We all understand you very well and believe that you can do a good job in Tibet. I am always concerned that the Han people there are not cooperating well with you and are unable to gain the trust of the Tibetan people. Please take up the responsibility, and with regard to those Han people who have made mistakes, give them strict education and treat them as your own cadres.
I hope you will take good care of your health.
Write to me at any time if there is anything.
Can you understand this letter? There are still many cursive characters, and I have not been able to correct them all at once, but there are a bit fewer than last time.
When encountering difficulties, it is essential to be patient. Difficulties can always be slowly overcome.
I hope to meet with you.
I wish you good health!

Mao Zedong
August 18, 1956

--- Notes

[I]
The Dalai Lama, namely Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, one of the religious leaders of Tibet, was then Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region.