TLS, two pages, the first measuring 8.25 x 11.5, the second, signed page measuring 8.5 x 11, June 8, 1993, personal embossed letterhead. The Dalai Lama writes to Senator Patrick Moynihan, in full: “I have been informed through my Special Envoy, Lodi Gyari, of the Executive Order issued by President Clinton conditioning the 1994 renewal of Most-Favored-Nation trading status to China. I also received your correspondence on the date of the President’s pronouncement and am grateful to you for your insightful comments.
I would like to express my deep appreciation on behalf of the Tibetan people to you and your colleagues in the Congress who were instrumental in ensuring that Tibet was included in the conditions. The United States Congress has always offered tremendous support for the Tibetan people and because of the insistence of you and your colleagues, the new Administration has chosen to re-evaluate its policy with regards to Tibet. I am hopeful that the United States will now increase its monitoring capabilities in Tibet and will insist that real progress be made before June 1994.
The broad condition in the Executive Order relating to the protection of Tibet’s religious and cultural heritage gives the United States unprecedented leverage in pressuring China to improve conditions inside Tibet and its treatment of the Tibetan people. I am also pleased that the issue of population transfer was raised in the accompanying Report. As we had the opportunity to discuss on my recent visit, the increasing influx of Chinese into Tibet is an immense threat to the survival of the Tibetan culture and people. I was very pleased that the Report discusses the influx of Chinese not just in the Tibet Autonomous Region, but in other areas traditionally inhabited by Tibetans.
I am also very happy that there is no reference to ‘China, including Tibet’ in the Executive Order or the Report. Although I recognize that this does not necessarily indicate a change of policy, it at least illustrates their willingness to refrain from using this offensive terminology. Lodi Gyari has also informed me of the tireless work of your staff, Mr. Stephen Rickard. Senator, again I thank you and your office for all your efforts and for your commitment to the people of Tibet.” Light creasing to the top corners, small staple marks to the top left corners, and filing notations at the top edges, otherwise fine condition.
Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was a staunch advocate for the Tibetan people. During the Dalai Lama’s April 1991 visit to the Capitol, Moynihan declared that “The Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949 was a conquest every bit as clear as the conquest of the Baltic States during World War II or Iraq’s invasion and temporary conquest of Kuwait. It does not become less criminal because it has remained in place over a long period of time."
Referencing President Clinton’s decision to renew China’s trade privileges in the coming year, a decision Clinton felt would inspire China to take more progressive strides towards improving human rights, the Dalai Lama also saw an opening for progress, reflecting that “The United States Congress has always offered tremendous support for the Tibetan people...I am hopeful that the United States will now increase its monitoring capabilities in Tibet and will insist that real progress be made before June 1994.” He goes on to recount one of the greatest threats to the Tibetan people as “the increasing influx of Chinese into Tibet,” counting this surge as “an immense threat to the survival of the Tibetan culture and people.” Lastly, he expresses immense gratitude for a simple omission of verbiage: “I am also very happy that there is no reference to ‘China, including Tibet’...Although I recognize that this does not necessarily indicate a change of policy, it at least illustrates their willingness to refrain from using this offensive terminology.”
Brimming with the Dalai Lama’s high hopes for the resolution of over 50 years of oppression Tibet, this desirable letter serves as a stunning reminder of a nation still under attack, and the legendary leader who uses words, rather than violence, to combat the harrowing onslaught. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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