Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
CC
10 July 1992
The Rt Hon John Gummer MP
House of Commons
LONDON
SW1A OAA
London SWIA 2AH
From The Minister of State
Wr
Dew John.
Thank you for your of 30 June enclosing one from your constituent, Mr N Minaur of 19 Kingston Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4AY, about Tibet.
The Government share your constituents concerns about the situation in Tibet. It may be helpful to set out in some detail our policy towards Tibet.
Status of Tibet
We
Successive British Governments have consistently regarded Tibet as autonomous while recognising the special position of the Chinese there. This continues to be the Government's view. Against this background we have stressed to the Chinese authorities the need for fuller autonomy in Tibet. We believe that the most promising solution to the problem of Tibet is through dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetan people including the Dalai Lama. We find it disappointing that, despite a stated willingness by both sides. to enter into dialogue, talks have not yet taken place. continue to encourage the Chinese authorities in this. Douglas Hurd reminded the Chinese Foreign Minister of our position when he visited Peking in September 1991, and Mr Major did so when he met the Foreign Minister in London in March 1992. We do not believe that independence for Tibet is a realistic option. Tibet has never been internationally recognised as an independent State, and no State regards Tibet as independent. Tibet's claims to independence have not achieved support from Member States of the UN.
Dalai Lama
Successive British Governments have always recognised the Dalai Lama's role as a distinguished spiritual leader who has won widespread international respect, confirmed by the award of the Nobel Peace Prize. He visited the UK twice in 1991, meeting the Lord Chancellor and the Archbishop of York in
/March
MINAUR