Dalai Lama’s dilemma

Press, 11 May 1984, Page 13

Dalai Lama’s dilemma

The Dalai Lama entered his sittingroom with big strides, leaning forward from the waist, feet turned out in a delightfully humbling fashion. We needed no interpreter. His English is perfect. As both religious and political leader in exile, this 48-year-old has to deal with many problems, see many people, travel, read and study. But there is a quality of attention rarely found in others. I. was conscious of being in the presence of an exceptional and very human man. Robilliard: “What are the prospects of your return, with your people, to Tibet?” Dalai Lama: “The Chinese want me to return. They make many offers. But it would be on their terms. China has made it clear that Tibet will never be allowed the political and economic autonomy promised to Taiwan — if it joins the Peoples Republic.” ■ Robilliard: “What lies behind China’s invitation to return?” Dalai Lama: “Chinese leaders are showing more respect for world opinion. There have been agreeable changes in Beijing (Peking) since Deng Xiaoping came to power. The Chinese seem desirous of improving relations with India.” Robilliard: “What are conditions like in Tibet?” Dalai Lama: “Since 1980, when

Hu Yaobang, senior secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, visited Tibet and was reportedly horrified at what he saw, the policy of the Chinese Government has been more moderate.”

‘Robilliard: “In what way?” Dalai Lama: “There is no longer starvation. Tibetan farmers have been paid 50 per cent more for their produce. Their average income reached SUSIOO last year, a 58 per cent increase over 1979. Tibetan language has been reinstated. A school of performing Tibetan Arts has been built. State funds have been given to repair the monasteries.” Robilliard: “Does this mean religious freedom?” Dalai Lama: “There are two Chinese faces on this subject. One says Tibetans have every possible freedom of religious practice. The other applies every possible pressure to stop it, with counterproductive results. The religious fervour of younger Tibetans is said to be even stronger than that of their elders.’” Robilliard: “How do you know these things?” Dalai Lama: “Three delegations have been sent from Dharamsala, for on-the-spot studies of the homeland.” Robilliard: “The Panchen Lama, the second most highly revered Tibetan after yourself, is reported

as saying that you should return to Tibet, to help in the further protection of Tibetan language and culture. That you should forget your plea for so-called Tibetan independence. Because, he argues, by so doing you continue to separate the Tibetan people from their homeland?”

Dalai Lama: “If the majority of the six million Tibetan people were happy with the present structure, then I would certainly return, but I seriously doubt this. I cannot believe that there will be much further withdrawal of Chinese Han cadres from Tibet ... in order to maintain a firm grip.” Robilliard: “Are there not risks in the Indianisation of succeeding generations in exile? Could the uncertainty of the future, the frustration of belonging neither here nor there, increasingly tell on Tibetan fortitude?” Dalai Lama: “The purpose of going into exile was to preserve Tibetan identity, culture, and Lama traditions. If a return to the homeland, under tight Chinese control, resulted in the loss of that identity, it would be the end of the mission. It’s an all or nothing gamble.” The Dalai Lama then told me he plans to go to Tibet in 1985 — but only for a visit: “To see the situation with my own eyes.” The world will await the result.