Chapter 89 Key points of the conversation with the representatives of the Tibet Tribute Group[1]

(October 8, 1952) 1. The Communist Party adopts a policy of protection for religions. Believers and non-believers, those who believe in this religion or those who believe in other religions, are all protected and their beliefs are respected.A policy of protection is adopted for religion today, and it will still be adopted in the future. Second, the issue of land division is different from the issue of religion.The land has been divided in the Han area, and religion is still protected here.Minority areas are divided regardless of land, which is decided by the ethnic minorities themselves.It is not possible to talk about land distribution in Tibet now, and it is up to you to decide whether to divide it in the future, and it is up to you to distribute it yourself, and we will not distribute it for you.

3. The establishment of the military and political committee and the reorganization of the Tibetan army are stipulated in the agreement [2]. Because you are afraid, I have informed the comrades working in Tibet and asked them to implement it slowly.The agreement is to be implemented, but you are afraid, so you have to implement it slowly.If you are afraid this year, you will implement it next year; if you are still afraid next year, you will implement it next year. 4. Tibet is a large place with a small population. The population needs to be developed. It should be increased from 2-3 million to 5-6 million, and then to tens of millions.There is also economic and cultural development that needs to be developed.Culture includes schools, newspapers, movies, etc., and so does religion.The reactionary rule of the past, the emperors of the Qing Dynasty and Chiang Kai-shek, all oppressed and exploited you, and the same is true of imperialism, which prevented your population from developing, your economy was weakened, and your culture did not develop.The Communist Party implements ethnic equality. It does not want to oppress or exploit you, but to help you, to help you develop your population, economy and culture.The People's Liberation Army entered Tibet to implement the policy of helping you.It won’t help you when you first go in, and it won’t be much help in three or four years, but it will help you in the future, that’s for sure.If the Communist Party cannot help you develop your population, economy and culture, then the Communist Party is of little use.

I'm glad you're here.Recently, you can visit Nanjing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Northeast China and other places.In the future, if more people from all walks of life in Tibet, monks and laymen, can visit various places in the interior, it will be possible to strengthen the relationship of unity and friendship among the various ethnic groups in China. According to the publication of "People's Daily" on November 22, 1952. -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ note [1] The main point of Mao Zedong’s talk was quoted by the head of the Tibetan tribute group, Liuxia Thupten Taba, in a speech broadcast by the Central People’s Broadcasting Station to monks and lay officials of the Tibetan local government and all Tibetan monks and lay compatriots.

[2] Refers to the "Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" signed by the Central People's Government and the local government of Tibet on May 23, 1951.