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There was a sufficient supply of dung fuel in the Jhangtung area and if transport could be provided this could be used to exchange the fuel for food from Leh and other more prosperous areas, where fuel was badly needed.
Although not in a position to compare the condition of the Tibetans in Ladakh with those in Southern India, Sir Robert thought the former were unquestionably much worse off than those in Dharamsala.
He thought these were groups which could well be helped by the voluntary agencies, as the suggestions made by the Dalai Lama's office were practical and modest. The provision of transport two or three trucks costing about £3,000 each could be of
tremendous help.
V
He advised agencies wishing to contribute to send funds through Mr. Dorji, Council for Home Affairs of the Dalai Lama, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India. Supplies should be sent to the Central Relief Committee, earmarked for the Ladakh scheme. It would be much better to send money than supplies, because of transport
difficulties.
In discussion on Sir Robert ffolkes talk, the following points were made:-
a) There had been some resistance on the part of the nomadic Tibetans to plans for their resettlement, but there was little choice for them because of the lack of sufficient grazing grounds. The Ladakhis themselves were also in need of more fodder and land for their flocks. Also the Indian Government did not want Tibetans too near the border.
b) It was not known whether many wished to return to Tibet. There were still some coming out from Tibet each year.
c) In arranging permanent settlement in the area, the possibility of crossfire from the Kashmir/Pakistani war had to be considered.
d) Any settlement would be financed by the Indian Government and administered by the Kashmiri authorities.
e) Until 1974, Ladakh had been a closed area. This was the main reason for the impoverishment of the area.
f) There was little chance of moving these groups to another area. Settlement would be planned to be permanent. Funds contributed should not therefore be wasted.
There was then discussion on contributions to be made by the voluntary agencies:-
This plan
i) Sir Robert ffolkes reported that an SOS village was to be set up in Leh. had been discussed at Dharamsala.
ii) Save the Children Fund was hoping to respond to the appeal and was at present considering the information recently brought back by Sir Robert ffolkes. Also the Dalai Lama's sister was going to the area and would be sending her comments.
iii) Miss Pearce had heard that the Dalai Lama and Mr. Taring would be going shortly to Lakakh.
iv) The Tibet Society had already responded to the appeal from Dharamsala for trucks, transport, weaving centre, etc. They had also heard of the great need for medicines and food for children.
The Tibet Society Relief Fund had already sent £200 for immediate needs.
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