Telegram in Reply to Panchen Erdini (1)
(June 14, 1957)
Dear Panchen Erdini:
The telegram you sent me on the occasion of celebrating the sixth anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet has been received.
I extend my thanks for your congratulations.
In the six years since its peaceful liberation, Tibet has already achieved many important accomplishments. However, there are still quite a few difficulties in building Tibet. I hope that you, based on the actual conditions of Tibet, will assist the Dalai Lama (2) in leading and uniting the patriotic and progressive forces from all quarters to advance together, and make even better contributions to the work of implementing the Seventeen-Point Agreement (3) and building Tibet.
I wish you good health!
Mao Zedong
June 14, 1957
[1] Panchen Erdini, i.e., Panchen Erdini Qoigyi Gyaincain, one of the religious leaders of Tibet, was at the time Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Political Consultative Conference and First Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region.
[2] The Dalai Lama, i.e., Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, one of the religious leaders of Tibet, was at the time Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region.
[3] Refers to the "Agreement of the Central People's Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet," which consists of 17 articles, signed in Beijing on May 23, 1951.