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An Annotated Chronology of Relations in the 20th Century
By Ken Herold
Second Edition, February 1994, International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet
The following is a chronology of selected events in the 20th century bearing on the relationship between the nations of Tibet and the United States of America, beginning with the year 1900 and ending in 1994. This research guide tells what events are said to have happened according to a variety of historical sources and is not, therefore, a logically-consistent, factual narrative. Some entries in the first edition have been consolidated with the addition of annotated events from the following sources:
- Richardson, Hugh E. Tibet and its History. 2nd edition, revised and updated. Boston: Shambhala, 1984.
- Petra K. Kelly, Gert Bastian, and Pat Aiello editors. The Anguish of Tibet. Berkeley: Parallax, 1991.
- Dhondup, K. The Water-Bird and Other Years : A History of the 13th Dalai Lama and After. New Delhi: Rangwang, 1986.
Bibliographic Annotations (key)
1900/1900 Tibet ( Bod, in Tibetan) celebrates National Year 2027, Tibetan calendar year of Iron-Mouse. []
MAR 20 U.S. announces policy of equal commercial access to China, so-called 'open door'. [HE, 303, 309]
MAY 27 Thirteenth Dalai Lama Thupten Gyatso, age 24, has held power since end of Regency in 1895. [KD, 7]
JUL 4 U.S. celebrates 124th year since Independence. []
AUG 11 British Viceroy of India Curzon sends first of two letters directly to Dalai Lama after attempts to negotiate with Tibetan authorities fail. [KD, 12]
SEP 30 Tsar Nicholas of Russia receives monk Dorjieff at Yalta with letter from Dalai Lama. [KD, 13]
1901/
SEP 6 President McKinley mortally wounded by assassin. [HE, 303]
SEP 7 Boxer Protocol punishes China for uprisings against foreigners, U.S. troops join punitive force. [HE, 303, 311]
SEP 14 McKinley dies, succeeded by T. Roosevelt. [HE, 303]
1902/
AUG 2 China Times article describes Russian-Tibetan agreement. [KD, 15]
NOV 13 Curzon, fearing Russian Tsarist designs on Tibet and India, plans an expedition to force Tibet under British hegemony. [PH, 160]
1903/
JAN 8 Curzon argues for a mission to Lhasa, London recommends continued negotiations with Tibet and China. [HR, 84]
APR London approves diplomatic mission to Tibetan border. [PH, 162]
MAY Curzon briefs Younghusband on secret Tibet mission. [PH, 162]
JUN Younghusband party with 200 troops leaves Kalimpong, India, for Tibet. [PH, 162]
JUL 18 British mission begins talks with Tibetans at border station of Khamba Jong. Tibet withdraws and British are recalled after five months. London then approves an armed expedition no further than Gyantse. Russia and China officially protest. [PH, 162]
DEC 12 Younghusband forces cross Jelap Pass into Tibet. [PH, 164]
1904/
JAN 8 British forces cross Tang La and reaches Tuna at 16,000 feet. [PH, 167]
MAR 3 Britain and Russia pledge independence of Tibet. [SF]
MAR 31 More than 700 Tibetan troops killed at Guru. [PH, 171-176]
APR 1-3 Younghusband mission reportedly attacked. [SF]
APR 11 British troops reach sight of Gyantse. [PH, 177]
MAY 9 Younghusband expedition described. [SF]
MAY 30 Reports of mission attack. [SF]
JUN 26 Reinforcements reach British force at Gyantse. [PH, 180]
JUL 5 300 Tibetan casualties in British attack at Gyantse. [PH, 180]
JUL 30 Dalai Lama flees northwards into exile, Gaden Tri Rinpoche named Regent. [KD, 21]V JUL 31 British forces 45 miles from Lhasa, facing no Tibetan resistance. [PH, 182-183]
AUG 2 Younghusband expedition enters Lhasa and finds no evidence of Russian involvement in Tibetan affairs, the Dalai Lama having fled to Urga, Mongolia. [PH, 184-186]
SEP 7 Anglo-Tibetan Convention signed at Lhasa with Tibet as a sovereign power. Britain establishes a trade station at Gyantse. Telegraph lines from Kalimpong to Lhasa remain operable. (See text, [HR, 268-271]) [PH, 190-191]
SEP 19 Further reports on expedition. [SF]
SEP 23 British troops withdraw from Lhasa. [PH, 192]
1905/
1905 Curzon resigns viceroyalty amidst controversy over unnecessary military invasion. [KD, 22]
1905 Chao Erh-feng begins attempt to bring Kham and neighboring regions of Tibet under Chinese control. [KD, 24-25]
JAN 30 Younghusband treaty instructions disclosed. [SF]
1906/
JAN 10 British-Russian rivalry in Tibet denied. [TT]
JAN 19 Chinese attitude on 1904 treaty reported. [TT]
MAR 22 Effect of visit to India by Panchen Lama on British policy. [TT]
APR Anglo-Chinese Convention, excluding Tibet, declares Chinese acceptance of the Lhasa Treaty of 1904. Britain recognizes Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet. (See text, [HR, 2721-273]) [PH, 201]
APR 9 Russian czar's message. [TT]
APR 11 British exploration party in Tibet. [TT]
APR 24 Signing of Anglo-Chinese Convention. [TT]
APR 25 Signing of convention. [TT]
JUN Chao Erh-feng ruthlessly destroys temples and villages in eastern Tibet. [KD, 25]
JUN 18 Trade with Western Tibet. [TT]
AUG 2 Trade statistics. [TT]
AUG 14 Weekly post to Gartok established. [TT]
SEP Dalai Lama visits Kumbum Monastery, birthplace of Je Tsong Khapa, in Amdo region of Tibet. [KD, 23]
SEP 5 British-Russian negotiations on Tibet. [TT]
NOV 22 Movements of the Dalai Lama. [TT]
1907/ 1907 Anglo-Russian Convention, also excluding Tibet, declares Russian acceptance of status quo in Tibet. [PH, 201]
JAN 5 Dalai Lama to return to Lhasa. [TT]
FEB 6 Progress of Sven Hedin exploration in Tibet. [TT]
FEB 18 Sven Hedin exploration. [TT]
MAR 11-12 Sven Hedin exploration. [TT]
JUL 19 British trade commissioner arrives at Gyantse. [TT]
JUL 24 Tibetan army reorganized; coinage established. [TT]
AUG 24 First Tibetan-language newspaper established. [TT]
AUG 31 Signing of Anglo-Russian Agreement relating to Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet, at St. Petersburg. See text. [HR, 273-275]
SEP 25-26 Text of Anglo-Russian Agreement. [TT]
DEC 26 Field Museum expedition to Tibet. [SF]
1908/
1908 China mounts diplomatic pressure in the Chumbi Valley and aggression against eastern Tibet. [NB, 220]
JAN 15 Points of dispute between Peking and London on Lhasa Convention. [TT]
JAN 18 China-Great Britain trade negotiations. [TT]
FEB 4 Chumbi valley to be evacuated by Britain. [TT]
FEB 6 Native trade agent appointed at Gyantse. [TT]
MAR 14 Chinese amban to take office. [TT]
APR 20 Anglo-Chinese trade regulations signed in Calcutta. (See text, [HR, 275-280]) [KD, 32]
APR 24 Escort of Indian troops appointed to Gyantse trade post. [TT]
MAY 12 Chinese amban appointed; visit of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama to Peking announced. [TT]
AUG 10 Suppression of the revolt in Eastern Tibet. [TT]
SEP 17-18 Sven Hedin's second journey in Tibet. [TT]
SEP 23 Chinese press comments and arrangements for visit of Dalai Lama. [TT]
SEP 27 Dalai Lama received in Peking, meets the U.S. ambassador William W. Rockhill, and the Manchu emperor. [KD, 27]
OCT 21 Dalai Lama leaves Peking for Tibet. [KD, 31]
NOV 3 Taft elected President. [HE, 304]
NOV 10 Sven Hedin's travels . [TT]
NOV 30 U.S.-Japanese agreement on status quo in Asia, including 'open door' to China. [HE, 304]
DEC 22 Dalai Lama's departure from Peking. [TT]
1909/
1909 Taft's 'dollar diplomacy' increases U.S. investment in China. [HE, 304]
JAN 11 Hedin describes British influence in Tibet. [TT]
FEB 12,24 Hedin describes Tibetan customs and geography. [TT]
MAR 11 Tibetan mission to St. Petersburg. [TT]
AUG 13 Dalai Lama at Nagchu. [TT]
SEP 24 China proposes postal service to Tibet. [TT]
NOV 30 Plans for Dalai Lama to visit St. Petersburg. [TT]
DEC Dalai Lama returns to Lhasa. [HC, 49]
DEC Dalai Lama establishes Foreign Ministry. [KD, 32]
1910/ 1910 Szechuan leader Chao Erh-feng sends troops to invade Tibet. [NB, 220]
JAN 3 Chinese troops begin random killings in Lhasa. [KD, 34]
FEB 2,000 Chinese troops enter Lhasa and the Dalai Lama flees to Kalimpong, India. [PH, 201]
FEB 25 Chinese troops occupy Lhasa. [SF]
FEB 27 Chinese troops occupy Lhasa. [SF]
FEB 28 Dalai Lama appeals to Russia. [TT]
MAR 1 Tri Rinpoche appointed head of Council of Shapes. [TT]
MAR 3 Dalai Lama at Darjeeling. [TT]
MAR 14 Dalai Lama calls on Viceroy Minto in Calcutta. [KD, 37]
JUL 15 Official British blue-book issued on relations with Tibet. [TT]
JUL 30 Indian troops ordered to be ready to enter Tibet. [TT]
AUG 2 Britain and Tibet policy; Britain fears an attack on its agencies in Tibet. [TT]
AUG 5 Chinese request Dalai Lama's return to Lhasa. [TT]
AUG 7 Report Chinese troops defeated. [SF]
SEP 2 Dalai Lama negotiations with China. [TT]
SEP 23 Lamas at Lhasa advise Dalai Lama not to return to the capital. [TT]
OCT 15 Execution order angers populace. [SF]
NOV 3 Younghusband comments on British policy. [TT]
DEC 2 Dalai Lama renews request to visit Britain. [TT]
1911/
JAN Panchen Lama visits Lhasa while Dalai Lama is in exile in India. [KD, 40]
JAN 21 Dalai Lama expresses wish to visit England. [TT]
JUN 29 Tibetan postal service noted. [TT]
OCT 10 Chinese Revolution begins. [HE, 312]
NOV 2 Chinese troops attack Sera monastery, Tibetan War Department declares war on Chinese troops in Lhasa. [KD, 45]
NOV 20 British plans to survey India-Tibet border abandoned. [TT]
NOV 28 Dalai Lama expected to return to Lhasa. [TT]
1912/ 1912 Tibet pushes all Chinese forces east beyond the Mekong River. [NB, 220]
JAN 16 China announces plans for new province, Hsikang, encompassing part of Eastern Tibet; Lord Curzon comments. [TT]
JAN 23 Reports of Tibetan revolt against Chinese. [TT]
MAR Lonchen Shatra (later appointed Tibetan delegate to the Simla Conference) in Calcutta to ask for British arms. [DW, 159]
APR Soldiers and monks from Sera monastery arrest and execute pro-Chinese Cabinet ministers. [KD, 45]
APR New Chinese Republic declares intention to make lands of Mongols and Tibetans into Chinese provinces. [FW, 54]
APR 5 Tibetans threaten attack on Chinese forces. [TT]
MAY 11 Panchen Lama at Shigatse; Chinese surrender at Gyantse. [TT]
MAY 17 Fighting reported in Lhasa, monastery said destroyed. [TT]
JUN Dalai Lama formally reproclaims Tibetan independence. [HC, 51]
JUN 1 Text of confidential note on the northeast frontier section of the India-Tibet border. [DW, 370]
JUN 1 Fighting reported in Lhasa. [TT]
JUN 25 Dalai Lama leaves for Lhasa. [TT]
JUL 12 Tibetans capture Litang and Batang. [TT]
AUG 3 Further fighting reported in Lhasa. [TT]
AUG 15 Reported agreement between Dalai Lama and Chinese amban. [TT]
AUG 21 Chinese envoys intercepted and imprisoned by Tibet; Dalai Lama refuses Chinese indemnity demands. [TT]
AUG 27 Dalai Lama and Chinese amban reach agreement on Chinese surrender. [KD, 48]
SEP 4 Mongolian mission to Tibet refused permission to enter at Darjeeling. [TT]
SEP 18 Chinese refugees begin arriving at Indian border. [TT]
OCT 28 Ignoring Tibetan rejection of such claims, China purports to restore Dalai Lama's position and rank. [HR, 105]
NOV 1 Chinese troops fighting near Litang. [TT]
NOV 5 Wilson elected President. [HE, 304]
NOV 21 More fighting reported at Lhasa. [TT]
1913/
1913 Dalai Lama arranges for four young Tibetans to be educated in England. [MG, 143]
JAN Dalai Lama enters Lhasa. [KD, 49]
JAN 3 Chinese force routed. [SF]
JAN 6 Last of Chinese troops leave Lhasa for Kalimpong. [PH, 204]
JAN 11 Treaty of Friendship and Alliance, Tibet and Mongolia. [DD, 73]
FEB Tibetan declaration of independence issued. [KD, 49]
APR 15 Russian czar receives Tibetan envoys. [TT]
APR 25 Tibetan students arrive at Plymouth, England. [TT]
MAY 27 Dalai Lama proposes cessation of hostilities with Chinese government. [TT]
JUL 7 Chinese troops repulsed at Hsiang-cheng. [TT]
JUL 29 Lord Curzon announces Tibet-China-Great Britain conference. [TT]
OCT Simla Conference opens with Tibet, Britain and China on equal basis. [NB, 221]
OCT 22 British attitude to Tibetan demands for autonomy. [TT]
OCT 26 Role of women in Tibet described. [SF]
1914/
MAR Tibet and Britain negotiate Indo-Tibetan frontier, the so-called McMahon Line. (Detailed maps: [DW, 1980/181]) [NB, 221]
APR Simla Conference ends in discord: Tibet and Britain agree to Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet only if China agrees to Tibetan autonomy. China refuses to ratify pact, thus leaving Tibet's independent status unchanged. (Detailed discussion: [DW, 162+]) [HC, 221]
MAY 26 Russia assents to Tibetan autonomy agreement. [TT]
JUL 3 Text of Convention between Great Britain, China and Tibet. [DW, 386]
JUL 3 Text of Anglo-Tibetan Trade Regulations. [DW, 390]
AUG As European hostilities escalate into World War, the Dalai Lama offers 1,000 soldiers to fight for British side. [KD, 54]
NOV 7 German surrender to Japanese and British at Tsingtao, China. [HE, 395]
1915/
NOV 26 Friendly relations reported between Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama. [TT]
1916/
APR 3 Report on British trade opportunities in Tibet. [TT]
NOV 7 Wilson reelected President. [HE, 441]
1917/
1917 Postal map of China published by Peking shows Tibet, Mongolia, and East Turkestan as Chinese regions, though not including the Aksai Chin region of the Tibetan plateau. [DW, 81]
1918/
1918 Tibetan troops, trained and equipped by Britain, capture Chamdo, Draya, Markham, Gonjo and De-ge. As they approach Nyarong and Batang, China asks Britain to mediate and Britain helps China by refusing Tibet arms. [DW, 187]
JUL 22 Chinese helpless against Tibetan revolt. [TT]
JUL 29 Chinese surrender Chamdo to Tibetan forces. [TT]
AUG 19 British consul, Teichman, in Chengdu negotiates a ceasefire between Kham and China, dividing Kham into Lhasa-administered W. Kham (Chamdo) and 'independent' E. Kham east of Yangtse under nominal control of China (Kanting). [KD, 56]
SEP 10 Hostilities cease, Tibetans demand treaty modifications. [TT]
OCT 10 Supplemental ceasefire agreement signed. [TS, 262]
1919/
JAN 3 History of Chinese-Tibetan dispute. [TT]
MAR 4 British parliament discusses Tibetan autonomy settlement. [TT]
APR 2 Death of Lonchen Shatra reported. [TT]
SEP 13 Hitch reported in Chinese negotiations with Tibet. [TT]
SEP 18 Prospects of settlement of the China-Tibet dispute. [TT]
NOV 7 Chicago bank agrees to provide 5,000,000 pound loan to China. [TT]
NOV 27 Tibet may invoke aid of Nepal and Bhutan in the event of hostilities with China. [TT]
1920/
1920 Yajima Yasujiro returns to Japan after training 200 Tibetan soldiers from 1914-17. [MG, 143]
JAN Britain suggests a boundary conference at Lhasa. Tibet declines and entertains a Chinese delegation from Kansu for talks and eventually agrees to a ceasefire. [DW, 189]
JAN 16 League of Nations formally inaugurated, the U.S. is not a member having rejected the Treaty of Versailles. Tibet does not become a member either, though China does. [HE, 441-442]
AUG 28 Prospects of railway and wool development in Tibet. [TT]
OCT 13 Lord Curzon comments on Tibet. [TT]
NOV Sir Charles Bell in Lhasa through October of 1921 to urge better relations between Tibet and Britain. [DW, 189]
NOV 2 Harding elected President. [HE, 443]
NOV 17 Arrangements for Bell's visit to Lhasa. [TT]
NOV 29 Bell arrives in Lhasa. [TT]
1921/ 1921 National Assembly approves build-up of Tibetan army to 17,000 soldiers. [MG, 142]
MAR 8 Report on Bell's mission to Tibet. [TT]
MAY 18 Report on the health of the Dalai Lama. [TT]
JUN 7 Teichman lectures on the Kham region. [TT]
JUN 15,30 Reports on the Everest expedition. [TT]
OCT 2 British exploring expedition in Tibet. [SF]
OCT 31 Bell suggests a new British treaty with Tibet. [TT]
DEC 12 Bell's mission to Tibet ends. [TT]
DEC 15 Life in and customs of Tibet described. [TT]
DEC 17 Bell interviewed. [TT]
1922/ 1922 Actions by Lungshar provoke war preparations by Nepal and Tibet, but the Dalai Lama settles the controversy peacefully. [HR, 133]
1922 Lhasa government demands contribution from Tashilhunpo for growing Tibetan army. [MG, 185]
FEB 6 Washington Disarmament Conference ends, confirming China 'open door' policy. Japan agrees to return Shantung to China. [HE, 441, 488]
APR 15 Description of Tibetan geology. [TT]
JUN 9 Rongbuk monastery described by Everest party. [TT]
SEP 19 China Trade Act becomes U.S. law, defining China to include Manchuria, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macao, and Thibet sic. []
OCT 2 Negative description of the customs of Tibetan lamas. [TT]
NOV 4 British Buddhist mission refused permission to visit Lhasa. [TT]
1923/
1923 Dalai Lama orders troops under Tsarang to put off revolt by Drepung monks. [MG, 144]
1923 An English school opens in Gyantse. [MG, 112]
APR 2,23 Accounts of the British Buddhist mission planned for Tibet. [TT]
MAY 17 Photograph of the Dalai Lama published. [TT]
AUG 2 Harding dies in office, Coolidge assumes Presidency. [HE, 443]
1924/
1924 Pro-Chinese Sixth Panchen Lama enters period of exile in China. [LT, 38]
1924 Tsarong's request for military representation at Tsongdu denied. [MG, 144]
MAY 2,16 Photographs of Tibetans published. [TT]
MAY 4 Religious mysteries of Tibet described. [SF]
MAY 26 Russian allegations of British activity in Tibet. [TT]
MAY 29 Chinese press reports on British activities in Tibet. [TT]
JUN 4 British naturalist expedition to Tibet described. [TT]
OCT 9 British political mission to Tibet; Mongolians from Urga arrive in Nakcho with petition for Dalai Lama. [TT]
NOV 4 Coolidge elected President. [HE, 444]
DEC 2 Tibetan army commander to visit India. [TT]
DEC 6 British (Ward-Cawdor) expedition to Tibet. [TT]
1925/
1925 Tsarong relieved of army command, condition of forces deteriorate. [MG, 144]
FEB 27 Panchen Lama visits Peking. [TS, 263]
MAR 22 Tibetan lamas visit Paris. [SF]
APR 25 Tibetan lamas received in Berlin. [TT]
NOV 24 Monastery at Labrang described. [TT]
1926/ 1926 Tibet represented at Nilang Boundary Commission along with border territory of Tehri and Britain. [D1, 259]
1926 English school at Gyantse forced to close due to opposition of monasteries. [MG, 112]
MAR 4 Electrical equipment convoy massacred in Tibet. [SF]
JUL 18 Devil dances of Tibet depicted. [SF]
1927/
1927 German geologist Emil Trinkler visits the Aksai Chin area, calling it the westernmost plateau of Tibet. [DW, 83]
1927 Chiang Kai-shek sets up new Chinese government at Nanking, writes Dalai Lama offering his total support if Tibet would become a Chinese province. [KD, 57]
1928/
1928 Panchen Lama urges China to assume responsibility over Tibet. [DW, 192]
1928 Chinese warlord Liu invades Kham-China borderlands and his troops are pushed back into Szechuan. [MP, 12]
MAY 27 Polyandry in Tibet described. [SF]
JUN Peking falls to Nationalists. [CQ1, 75]
JUN 13 Roerich describes conditions in Tibet. [TT]
JUL 25 U.S. is first country to recognize Nationalists as national government of China. [CQ1, 75]
NOV 6 Hoover elected President. [HE, 444]
1929/
JAN 30 Tibet invited to join Chinese Nationalist movement. [TT]
1930/
1930 Charles Suydam Cutting is the first American to visit Tibet. [TS, 267]
1930 Chiang Kai-shek sends two missions to Lhasa. Dalai Lama urges China to supply arms to Tibet and to return to Tibet areas previously under Tibetan control. [DW, 192]
MAY 20 Question in British parliament on Tibet's relations with Britain, Russia, India, Nepal and China. [TT]
OCT Descriptions and photographs of Minya Konka range on China-Tibet border by National Geographic. [NG, 385-437]
1931/ 1931 Dalai Lama writes political testament setting forth policy of friendly relations with both Britain and China. [HR, 132]
SEP Dalai Lama and Chiang negotiate an uneasy local truce in Kham. [KD, 59]
SEP 18 Japan invades Manchuria. [HE, 488]
OCT 31 Sir Charles Bell describes an independent Tibet in Foreign Affairs. He had become friends with the Dalai Lama in India. [AC, 130]
NOV Chinese Soviet Republic created in Kiangsi Province under Mao. [HE, 483]
1932/
JAN 7 Stimson Doctrine says U.S. opposed to attacks on Chinese sovereignty or territorial integrity. [HE, 442]
JAN 29 Japan attacks Shanghai and League of Nations endorses Stimson Doctrine. [HE, 442]
APR Warlord Liu Wen-hui again invades Kham borderlands, breaking armistice agreed to by Nationalists. Within five months Chinese troops push Tibetans back to the Yangtse and threaten Chamdo. [HR, 135]
AUG Szechuan chieftain Liu Wen-hui fighting Tibetan troops. Chinghai governor also hostile to Tibet. [DW, 192]
AUG Dalai Lama wires Government of India for help and diplomatic intervention at Nanking. [HR, 135]
AUG 12 Frontier fighting between China and Tibet. [TT]
SEP Britain helps Tibet achieve ceasefire with Szechuan. [FW, 60]
NOV 8 Roosevelt elected President. [HE, 445]
DEC 31 Tibetan monks leave Switzerland. [TT]
1933/
1933 Tibetans sign local armistice with Governor Ma of Chinghai, ceding territory east of the Yangtse but the Yakalo district to the west. [HR, 136]
MAY 25 Tangku Armistice formalizes Japanese control over Manchuria and frees Chinese Nationalist forces to attack Communists. [HE, 483]
DEC 17 Death of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama at Lhasa, ending Tibet's foreign policy of non-alignment. (Text of his last political testament: [KD, 143-146]) [DW, 193]
DEC 20 Death of the Dalai Lama reported. [TT]
DEC 20 Finance Minister Lungshar mounts an unsuccessful coup d'etat in Lhasa. [JA, 20]
DEC 21 Position of the Panchen Lama in China described. [TT]
1934/
1934 Chinese Communist "Long March" retreat enters parts of eastern Tibet and is attacked by fierce Golok and Mantzu tribes and Tibetan troops. [LT, 72-73]
JAN Tsongdu, Tibet's National Assembly, elects Reting Rinpoche as Regent of Tibet. [TS, 276]
JAN 22 General Huang Mu-sung in Lhasa on Chinese mission. [TT]
FEB 13 Chinese mission at Lhasa. [TT]
MAR 23 Chinese mission in Lhasa. [TT]
APR Huang Mu-sung arrives in Lhasa via eastern Tibet to offer condolences on passing of Dalai Lama. [TS, 276]
APR 6 Russia alleges British designs on Tibet. [TT]
MAY 23 Panchen Lama in Shanghai. [TT]
MAY 25 Biography of the Panchen Lama. [TT]
MAY 31 National Assembly demands increased powers; Lungshar punished for plot; Panchen Lama's correspondence. [TT]
JUN 1,7 National Assembly's demands; Lungshar's punishment. [TT]
JUN 6 Panchen Lama's correspondence. [TT]
JUN 7 Panchen Lama visits British warship. [TT]
JUN 18 Dalai Lama's correspondence published. [TT]
AUG 16 Chinese political mission in Lhasa. [TT]
SEP 6 Chinese mission in Lhasa. [TT]
SEP 13 Proclamation by Chinese mission in Lhasa. [TT]
OCT Chinese Gen. Huang Mu-sung leaves Lhasa unable to convince the Tibetan Government to submit to Chinese authority. Regent Reting agrees to permit Panchen Lama to return to Lhasa but without the military escort China demands. [DW, 194]
OCT Chinese liaison left behind at Lhasa eventually forms a Chinese Mission, equipped with radio. [MG, 127,130]
NOV 19 Possibility of the return of the Panchen Lama to Tibet. [TT]
DEC 6 Panchen Lama's brother in India. [TT]
1935/
1935 Lost Horizon published in U.S., popularizes a mythical "Shangri-La", set in a "Tibet" dominated by Europeans and Chinese and where "Tibetans" appear only as servants. [] 1935 Charles Suydam Cutting makes second visit to Tibet. [TS, 267]
1935 Reginald Fox joins new British mission to Lhasa. Mission has only the second radio set in the whole country. [MG, 120,130]
JAN Mao elected Communist Party chairman. [HE, 484]
MAY 3 Communist Chinese threat to Eastern Tibet. [TT]
JUN 13 British representative invited to Lhasa; Panchen Lama in China. [TT]
JUL 6 Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is born in the Amdo region of Tibet at Takster. Tibet will pay ransom to local Chinese authorities for his freedom to travel. [JA, 8]
OCT Communists establish new center at Yenan. [HE, 484]
NOV 21 Panchen Lama's return to Lhasa delayed. [TT]
DEC 13 Exploration of Western Tibet by Tucci reported. [TT]
DEC 14 Exploration of Western Tibet by Tucci further reported. [TT]
1936/
1936 Lhasa sends three search parties for incarnation of Dalai Lama. [D2, 156]
1936 Tibet invites British mission to modernize Tibetan army and assist in negotiations with China for the return of Panchen Lama. [LT, 73]
1936 Richardson and other British officials visit Lhasa for five months to bolster pro-India faction in Tibet. [DW, 194]
MAY 7 Portents sought for new Dalai Lama; position of the Panchen Lama. [TT]
MAY 21 Position of the Panchen Lama. [TT]
OCT 1 Search for the Dalai Lama under way. [TT]
OCT 29 Search parties leave. [TT]
NOV 3 Roosevelt re-elected. [HE, 447]
NOV 19 Panchen Lama reportedly at Jyekundo. [TT]
DEC 19 British mission diaries excerpted. [TT]
1937/
1937 Fourteenth Dalai Lama discovered by search party. Moslem warlord demands ransom of 300,000 silver dollars to permit party to return to Lhasa. [D2, 156]
1937 Charles Suydam Cutting makes third visit to Tibet. [TS, 267]
1937 Burma constitutionally detached from India. [FW, 75]
FEB Main body of Gould's mission leaves Lhasa, but British Mission in Lhasa retains radio transmitter in order to counter Chinese. [HR, 147]
APR 15 British Mission diary excerpts, with description of Tibetan new year ceremonies. [TT]
MAY 27 Great Prayer festival at Lhasa described. [TT]
JUN 5 Further British mission diary excerpts and photograph. [TT]
JUL 25 Peking overrun by Japanese troops. Nationalist Chinese withdraw to southern China. [MS, 13]
AUG Panchen Lama moves to Rashi Gompa on the Tibetan border. [HR, 146]
OCT 28 Panchen Lama said banned from Tibet. [TT]
NOV 27 Color film of Tibet by F.S. Chapman. [TT]
NOV 29 More color film of Tibet by Chapman. [TT]
DEC 1 Sixth Panchen Lama dies in exile at Jyekundo. Seventh incarnation is disputed between Tibetan and Chinese candidates. [TS, 283]
DEC 4 Obituary and photograph of the Panchen Lama. [TT]
1938/
1938 Regent instructs search party to bring child Dalai Lama to Lhasa. [HC, 55]
NOV 18 Japan rejects 'open door' policy in China. [HE, 443]
NOV 30 Roosevelt approves $25 million loan to support Chiang Kai-shek at crucial juncture in his rise to power in China. [MS, 27]
1939/
APR 19,20 Curzon-Midleton controversy in British Tibet policy reported. [TT]
APR 22,26 Further Curzon-Midleton Tibet policy correspondence. [TT]
JUN 7 Tibetan new year ceremonies described. [TT]
JUL Tsongdu meets in the Potala and confirms the Taktser candidate as the 14th Dalai Lama. [TS, 284]
AUG Dalai Lama begins overland journey to Lhasa. [D2, 156]
SEP 1 Germany invades Poland, commencing Second World War. [HE, 491]
OCT 2 Einstein signs letter advising Roosevelt of possibility of German atomic bomb research and development. [RP, 4]
OCT 8 Dalai Lama enters Lhasa and receives foreign dignitaries from Britain, Bhutan, China, and Nepal. [HC,60]
OCT 9 Description of the Dalai Lama's ceremonial entry into Lhasa. [TT]
OCT 11 Roosevelt receives Einstein letter and the U.S. embarks on a race for nuclear arms. [RP, 4]
OCT 13 Confidence of the Tibetan Cabinet. [TT]
OCT 28 Tibetan Cabinet confident. [TT]
NOV 4 Photograph and description of Dalai Lama entering Lhasa. [TT]
NOV 15 Explanation of incarnation of Dalai Lamas. [TT]
1940/
FEB 22 Dalai Lama, four years old, installed in minority as temporal and spiritual leader of Tibet. [JA, 12]
MAR 7 $20 million loan arranged by U.S. to Chiang regime in return for future tin shipments. [MS, 32]
SEP Britain temporarily closes Burma Road, cutting supply route to and from Nationalist China. [MS, 35]
NOV Roosevelt elected to third term. []
NOV 30 U.S. approves $100 million for Chiang regime after Japan formally recognizes its puppet regime in China. Chiang's opposition to Communists is strengthened. Chinese Minister Soong submits plan to U.S. for secret air force to bomb Japan from China. [MS, 37]
DEC 19 Roosevelt plans secret terror bombing of Japanese cities from air bases in Nationalist China. [MS, 74]
1941/
1941 Dalai Lama begins intensive religious education. [D2, 156]
1941 Regency passes from Reting Rinpoche to Tathag (Taktra) Rinpoche, Senior Tutor to the Dalai Lama. [MG, 138]
MAR 19 India-Sinkiang boundary dispute resolution expected. [NY]
MAR 31 Chiang regime formally enters Lend-Lease program whereby the President can, at his sole discretion, approve military shipments to China. [MS, 56]
APR 15 Roosevelt authorizes U.S. military personnel to form mercenary force to fight against Japan in China. [SS, 84]
APR 23 Roosevelt approves $43 million in arms to Chiang, followed by additional $100 million. [MS, 56]
JUN 9 First 'Flying Tigers' leave for China under contract to a private corporation for secret air operations. [MS, 77]
JUL 23 Roosevelt formally approves U.S. military plan for incendiary bombing of Japan from bases in China. [MS, 81]
JUL 26 U.S. leads international embargo against Japan, cutting oil supplies and demanding Japan withdraw from China. [MS, 59]
DEC U.S. mercenary air force based at Kunming in Yunnan to protect Burma Road traffic. Kunming is destination point for supplies flown over the "Hump." [SS, 74]
DEC 7 Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory, leads to U.S. declaration of war. [HE, 502]
DEC 9 NYT editorial hopes for Chinese assistance in war against Japan. [NY]
1942/
1942 Bureau of Foreign Affairs created under the Kashag. [MG, 145]
FEB Flying Tigers based in Burma (Magwe, Lashio, Loiwing, Toungoo). [SS, 87]
FEB 9 Roosevelt instructs Stilwell to inform Chiang that upon Japan's defeat China would recover all (unspecified) 'lost territory' from Ching Dynasty. Congress approves $500 million loan to corrupt Chiang regime. [MS, 96, 98]
MAR 16 U.S. military propaganda plan for widespread publicity in the U.S. boosting Chiang's image as leader of all China. [MS, 107]
MAY 6 Japanese forces conquer the Philippines, a U.S. Territory. [HE, 503]
JUN 21 Defeat at Tobruk causes Allied military to divert warplanes and weapons from China and secret air force. [MS, 107]
JUL 2 OSS Director Donovan asks Secretary of State Hull to expedite request for permission for two OSS agents to travel in secret via India to Tibet and thence to China to meet U.S. Army commander Stilwell. [FR, 624]
JUL 3 Secretary Hull sends Roosevelt a draft letter for OSS agents Ilya Tolstoi and Brooke Dolan II to carry to Dalai Lama (addressed as religious leader of Tibet so as not to offend Nationalist China), a letter which proclaims great interest by America in Tibet and her people, but basically asking Tibet for permission to enter and cross its territory. [FR, 625-626]
JUL 3 Secretary Hull wires Ambassador to China Gauss that Britain is not able to pressure India to obtain Tibetan permission to transport war materials to China. Britain is urging China to make a public pledge of Tibetan autonomy prior to threatening economic sanctions against Tibet. British refer to Tibetan independence as well as autonomy. Hull notes U.S. has not questioned Chinese claims of 'suzerainty' over Tibet. U.S. begins policy of non-committal public attitude on Tibetan questions. [FR, 626]
JUL 4 Flying Tigers officially incorporated into U.S. Army Air Forces, though many later join Civil Air Transport. [SS, 101]
JUL 13 Gauss reports to Hull that Tibetans have agreed to passage of non-military supplies for China, that China has no plans for road to Tibet or stationing of troops due to certain Tibetan opposition. China makes no pledge regarding autonomy however. [FR, 627]
JUL 30 Gauss receives a report in Chungking that Chinese government heard arguments from finance minister Kung supporting Tibet as a "self-governing dominion" presumably within Nationalist China. [FR, 628-629]
AUG 27 British Embassy reports to State Dept. that China appears to want to expand into eastern Tibet more than it wants to move supplies. Even so, Britain is not pushing for autonomy declaration by China. Britain supports autonomy. Tibet has refused permission for foreign supervision in Tibet of any supply mission. [FR, 630-631]
SEP U.S. supplies Tibetan Government with equipment for three radio stations delivered by OSS agents Tolstoy and Dolan. [MG, 97, 130]
SEP 15 U.S. State Dept. reaffirms its position that Chinese claim of 'suzerainty' over Tibet has not been questioned by U.S. and thus no reply is due to Britain on its policy. [FR, 631] OCT 12 Roosevelt promises Chiang greater military deliveries over the Himalayas (the 'Hump') and future warplanes. [MS, 114]
DEC 31 Nearly 100,000 U.S. military personnel in the China-Burma-India war theater. [MS, 139]
1943/
1943 Chiang orders Governor of 'Sikang' (Chinese "province" reaching into Eastern Tibet) to move troops to Tibetan border. [FW, 60]
JAN U.S. military finds the American public believes China is greatly supporting the war effort, even though this is not true. [MS, 120]
FEB 8 President Roosevelt's representative in India wires Secretary of State insisting on joint arrangement with both Tibetan and Chinese governments over possible transit of Tibet with war materials. [FR, 621]
APR 15 Roosevelt approves U.S. Navy SACO group joint operations with Chiang's ruthless secret police. [MS, 236]
MAY 15 U.S. position on Tibet relayed to U.K. [FR, 630]
AUG 5 Letter from U.K. Secretary Eden to Chinese minister Soong regarding U.K. policy on Tibet--same as later 12/12/49 position paper--Britain will give Tibet moral support but will not intervene. [1949 FR, IX, 1091]
NOV U.S. military supply plane goes off course over the Hump and the crew survives. Tibetans help them to Lhasa. [PH, 237]
NOV 22 Cairo Conference: Roosevelt and Churchill meet Chiang and recognize China as one of the great allies. [HE, 506]
NOV 28 Teheran Conference: Roosevelt sets May 1944 for invasion of Europe, Churchill declines support for Burma, Stalin asks for privileges in Manchuria. [MS, 150] DEC 6 Presidential advisor Hopkins ridicules Chiang's desire to acquire Outer Mongolia and other territories, says U.S. would demand post-war bases in Formosa (Taiwan). [MS, 151] DEC 19 Five American air crewmen escorted out of Lhasa to India. [PH, 245]
1944/
JAN 19 Experiences of five U.S. airmen downed in Tibet. [NY]
FEB 18 10th Panchen Lama enthroned at Taer monastery. [NY]
MAR 28 Labrang monastery delegation to Chungking. [NY]
JUL 6 Roosevelt cables Chiang that Stilwell should assume command of all Chinese and American forces, including Communist armies in China. [MS, 165]
JUL 10 Vice Pres. Wallace reports to Roosevelt after two weeks in China that Chiang's corrupt government seems doomed to fall to the Communists. [MS, 163]
AUG 23 Mao tells U.S. agent in Yenan that Communists desire future cooperation with U.S. after defeat of Japan. [MS, 184]
AUG 30 OSS has begun training Communists in Yenan. [MS, 187]
SEP 6 Hurley goes to Nationalist capital Chungking as Roosevelt's representative. [MS, 166]
SEP 13 Communists tell Stilwell their willingness to put forces under his command. [MS, 168]
SEP 19 Stilwell gives Chiang Roosevelt's ultimatum to turn command of forces over to Stilwell. [MS, 169]
SEP 19 Roosevelt and Churchill decide that use of an atomic bomb against Japan is a possibility. [RP, 13]
SEP 25 Communist leader Chu Teh announces support for U.S. command of all Chinese forces. [MS, 188]
OCT 10 Hurley recommends to Roosevelt to recall Stilwell. [MS, 173]
OCT 18 Roosevelt replaces Stilwell with Wedemeyer. (Gauss resigns soon after and Hurley becomes Ambassador to China.) [MS, 174]
NOV Roosevelt elected to fourth term. []
NOV 8 Hurley and Mao sign proposal for Chinese coalition government and U.S. military aid. [MS, 196]
NOV 21 Nationalists stall Hurley proposal. [MS, 198]
NOV 22 OSS office in China proposes secret military program to aid Communists. [MS, 197]
DEC 15 U.S. Army and OSS agents propose joint U.S.-Communist commando and intelligence operations. [MS, 203]
1945/
1945 British Mission under Basil Gould helps start a school at Lhasa, but it soon closes under opposition of monasteries. [TS, 289]
JAN 9 Mao and Chou offer to come to Washington to explain position of Chinese Communists and ask for political recognition. [MS, 205]
JAN 11 Wedemeyer reduces airlift supply tonnage to SACO group having drug smuggling connections in China. [MS, 242]
JAN 14 U.S. Navy SACO group informs Hurley of secret Army-OSS contacts with Communists. [MS, 239]
JAN 30 SACO group training secret police in torture and assassination of Communists and opponents to Chiang regime. [MS, 243]
FEB 28 U.S. chargé cables Secretary of State staff assessment that Hurley is destroying chance for unity and peace in China. [MS, 212]
MAR 9 U.S. air forces firebomb Tokyo. [HE, 513]
APR 2 Hurley publicly denies Communists have asked for military aid or political recognition. [MS, 218]
APR 12 Amidst crisis in U.S.-China policy and global war, Roosevelt dies and Truman assumes Presidency. [HE, 511]
APR 25 Truman receives first detailed briefing on Manhattan Project, having learned of its existence only 13 days earlier. [RP, 13]
MAY 8 Axis powers defeated throughout Europe with 20 million Russian, 6 million Jewish, 405,000 American, 330,000 British and 270,000 French dead, among others. [HE, 513] JUN 6 FBI, following prior OSS break-in, raids New York office of journal "Amerasia" to seize supposed "secret" documents on China policy, all under approval of President Truman. [MS, 226]
JUN 24 Two U.S. soldiers return to China on Chinese government pack train. [NY]
JUN 25 United Nations Conference in San Francisco adopts Charter. Allied China is a member, but neutral Tibet is not invited. [HE, 643]
JUN 25 Mao warns U.S. not to continue support for despot Chiang. [MS, 227]
JUL 16 First atomic bomb exploded in U.S. test 'TRINITY' at Alamagordo AFB in New Mexico. [MS, 255]
JUL 24 Truman plans atomic bomb attack on Japan to forestall Russian advance into Manchuria and northern China. [MS, 257]
JUL 26 Potsdam Declaration calls for unconditional Japanese surrender. [RP]
AUG 6 Atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, by the U.S. [RP]
AUG 9 Atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, by the U.S. after Kokura, the primary target, was obscured by clouds. [RP]
AUG 10 U.S. Joint Chiefs order world's largest military air transport, moving Nationalist forces to coastal and northern China. [MS, 263]
AUG 14 Sino-Soviet Treaty pledges Russian support for Nationalists and withdrawal from Manchuria after Japanese surrender. [MS, 261]
AUG 14 Japan informs U.S. of decision to surrender. [RP]
AUG 15 Truman designates Chiang as sole authority to accept Japanese surrender in China, excluding Communists from share in victory. [MS, 264]
AUG 25 Chiang says Tibet must be allowed high degree of autonomy. [NY]
SEP 2 Formal Japanese surrender with 2.2 million Chinese, 1.5 million Japanese and 55,000 Americans dead, among others. [HE, 515]
SEP 30 U.S. marines land at Tientsin and assist Japanese forces in battles against Communists so as to hold territory for Nationalist regime. [MS, 272]
OCT 1 President Truman officially disbands the OSS, but its operatives are distributed among the many government intelligence units. [TP, 28]
OCT 22 U.S. Joint Chief's report says Chiang should put Chinese economy under U.S. control, giving U.S. access to raw materials, a military arms market, and surveillance of Sino-Soviet border regions. [MS, 279]
NOV 12 U.S. War Secretary says 53,000 marines will keep fighting in China to support Nationalists. White House press release says U.S. policy is to not interfere in Chinese internal affairs. [MS, 274]
NOV 27 Hurley resigns, causing political scandal in U.S. over China policy. U.S. continues massive arms transfer to Nationalists. [MS, 288]
1946/
1946 Chennault forms Civil Air Transport with money from Nationalists, flying C-46 and C-47 transports. [SS, 147]
JAN Heinrich Harrer (see his: Seven Years in Tibet) and Peter Aufschnaiter reach Lhasa after escaping Allied prisoner-of-war camp in India. [MG, 114]
JAN 5 Dalai Lama writes letter to President Truman promoting good relations between the two countries. (Translation delivered February 7, 1947) [1947 FR, VII, 592]
JAN 7 Regent and Tibetan Cabinet write similar letters to Truman. [1947 FR, VII, 592]
JUL 29 General Marshall embargoes arms shipments to China and reduces U.S. forces from 100,000 troops to 6,000. [MS, 298]
JUL 11 Truman names Dr. J. Leighton Stuart as U.S. Ambassador to replace Hurley. [CQ1, 81]
AUG National Geographic article tells of Tolstoy and Dolan's trip across Tibet from India to China, followed by Cutting's rare photographs. [NG, 169-222]
AUG 11 Tibet's role in British empire's defense strategy. [NY]
OCT 1 U.S. policy statement on China says U.S. and China both regard Tibet as an integral part of China. [1947 FR, VII, 600]
NOV 19 Afghanistan joins U.N. [UN]
DEC U.S. State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee creates guidelines for covert action operations. [TP, 30]
DEC 3 Top secret policy on status of Tibet questioned as U.S. chargé in India wires Secretary of State on the desirability of continuing the U.S. "non-committal" attitude. [1947 FR, VII, 588]
DEC 16 Thailand joins U.N. [UN]
1947/
1947 Tibet sends mission to Nanking to negotiate settlement of border and get recognition of independence, but without success. [LT, 75]
JAN 13 U.S. chargé in India reports to Secretary of State on desire of Tibetans for stronger relations with the United States and reasons why U.S. should send favorable Presidential reply to Lhasa. Included are factors emphasizing Tibet's great strategic, military and ideological importance. [FR, VII, 588-592]
MAR Truman Doctrine enunciated: the U.S. will support free peoples who are resisting subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressure. [HE, 585]
MAR 23 Delhi conference of all Asian countries includes Tibet as a fully sovereign nation. [TS, 291]
APR 14 Acting Sec. of State Dean Acheson wires U.S. chargé in India: the U.S. War Dept. does not consider Tibet to be a useful base of military operations, the State Dept. recommends only unofficial U.S. diplomatic visits to Tibet, and in light of Sino-American relations it would not be useful to raise the question of the status of Tibet. [FR, VII, 594]
APR 15 Ex-Regent Reting Rinpoche arrested. [MG, 139]
MAY Conspirators punished after trial by Tsongdu. [MG, 139]
MAY 8 Regent Reting dies. [TS, 293]
JUN-JUL Nyungne Lama commits suicide following aborted coup. Reting reportedly arrested. Je College of Sera Monastery revolts with 200 monks killed by government troops. Reting dies in prison. [MP]
JUN 11 Tibetan Foreign Office writes U.S. chargé in India on upcoming trade mission to the U.S. led by Finance Minister Shakabpa. [FR, VII, 596]
JUN 13 Coup attempt reported in Lhasa. [NY]
JUN 14 Shakabpa letter to U.S. Ambassador in India on trade mission. [FR, VII, 596]
JUL 13 Former pro-Chinese Regent Jecheng (?) reported executed in coup attempt. [NY]
JUL 26 Central Intelligence Agency created with passage of the National Security Act. [TP, 31]
JUL 30 U.S. response to Tibetan Foreign "Bureau" on trade delegation makes distinction between Chinese and Tibetan governments. The response to Shakabpa implies State Dept. assistance with his visit to Washington. [FR, VII, 597]
AUG 1 U.S. Ambassador in India wires Sec. of State on the political background to the Tibetan Trade Mission's upcoming visit to Washington, following a non-committal policy so as not to offend Chinese claims of sovereignty. [FR, VII, 596]
AUG 15 Upon Indian independence, British Mission to Lhasa closes. Reginald Fox is hired by Tibetan Government as a radio monitor and trainer. (Call sign AC4YN-Lhasa)
Mission head Hugh Richardson stays on as head of Indian Mission. [MG, 120]
AUG 15 India and Pakistan achieve independence. [DW, 213]
AUG 21 U.S. Ambassador in India wires Sec. of State questioning War Dept. view on Tibet's importance and asking if U.S. policy that Tibet is part of China has changed. [FR, VII, 598]
AUG 26 U.S. Embassy in London reports British decide not to support Tibet as they withdraw from India. [FR]
SEP 30 Pakistan joins U.N. [UN]
OCT 4 Yale University to give course on Tibetan culture. [NY]
OCT 6 Jacques Marchais Tibetan Center opened in New York City. [NY]
OCT 25 Tibet sends trade delegations to India, China, France, Italy, Britain, and the U.S. under Tibetan Government passports. [TS, 294]
OCT 28 State Dept. wires answer to U.S. Ambassador in India: as U.S. does not question Chinese claim to sovereignty over Tibet, the trade delegation should be referred to the Commerce Dept.
NOV 21 U.S. Ambassador in India forwards State Dept. information on the trade delegation provided by Indian representative to Sikkim Hopkinson that mission is prompted by Rimshi Pangda Tsang; trade delegation travelling on Tibetan travel documents and visiting China ahead of U.S. and U.K. [FR, VII, 602]
DEC 17 U.S. Foreign Aid Act support to Nationalist China. []
DEC 19 First meeting of the National Security Council adopts NSC 4/A, directing the CIA to secretly prevent Communist election victory. [TP, 31]
DEC 22 U.S. chargé in India wires Sec. of State that China wants trade delegation to travel on Chinese passports. [FR, VII, 604]
DEC 22 CIA's Special Procedures Group established to carry out covert actions. [TP, 31]
DEC 26 Acting Sec. of State Lovett replies to chargé in India that he should not pressure Tibetans to be subordinate to China nor make mission an issue between U.S. and China. [FR, VII, 604]
DEC 30 Chargé in India wires Sec. of State: Trade delegation wants to buy gold and silver as backing for Tibetan currency, but it may not be able to obtain enough dollars in India. Includes report of meeting with trade delegation at U.S. Embassy. Question of whether request from Lhasa Government falls under Gold Reserve Act of 1934. [FR, VII, 606]
1948/
1948 Harrer begins working for Tibetan Government. [MG, 114]
JAN 4 Union of Burma celebrates independence. [FW, 79]
JAN 31 Tibetan trade delegation arriving in Nanking learns of the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi. [TS, ]
APR China Aid Act grants Chiang $125 million as Communists take military initiative in civil war. [MS, 301]
APR 19 Burma joins U.N. [UN]
JUN 18 NSC 10/2 creates new covert action group called the Office of Policy Coordination to, among other things, assist indigenous anti-Communist elements in "threatened" countries. [TP, 33]
JUL 6 Nationalist Mongolian-Tibetan Affairs Commission asks Foreign Office to discontinue Britain's special rights in Tibet. [NY]
AUG-SEP Tibetan trade delegation meets with Sec. of State Marshall and through influence of Ilya Tolstoi meets Gen. Eisenhower, then President of Columbia University. [TS, 296]
AUG-SEP Trade delegation meets with (candidate for?) Vice President. [D3, 61]
AUG 9 U.S. Ambassador to India reports that India may not push for Tibetan autonomy as the British had done. [FR]
AUG 9 Thousands of nomads attack Chamdo and Chaya in uprising against Regent Yung Tseng-daja (?), who considers resigning to avert civil war. [NY]
AUG 12 Tibetan trade delegation visits New York City explaining that Tibet has its own government not under Chinese authority. [NY]
SEP 21 Political split between Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama described. [NY]
OCT 3 House report on China recommends U.S. give Nationalists a guarantee of territorial and political integrity. [CQ1, 84]
NOV 2 Truman elected President. [HE, 599]
DEC 9 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide approved by the U.N. General Assembly. [HE, 646]
DEC 10 Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by U.N. General Assembly. [HE, 645-646]
DEC 16 Acting Secretary of State Lovett says U.S. will definitely not get involved in Chinese civil war. [CQ1, 85]
DEC 22 U.S. Ambassador to India wires Sec. of State that India feels a communist China would be more Asiatic and anti-Western and thus more cooperative with India than Nationalist China. [FR]
1949/
JAN 5 U.S. Ambassador to India informs Tibetan trade delegation that the U.S. recognizes Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet. [FR, IX, 1065]
JAN 8 U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has urged for some time that the U.S. review its Tibet policy. The Embassy now proposes that a Communist victory in China should prompt U.S. recognition of Tibet as an independent country. [FR, IX, 1065]
FEB 17 U.S. Ambassador to India tells State Dept. that India is balking at providing Tibet dollar exchange to purchase gold from the U.S. [FR, IX, 1064]
MAR 24 Joint Chiefs memo says U.S. strategic interest in South Asia is negligible except for Pakistan's key role as a staging area for attacks on the U.S.S.R. or capture and defense of Middle East oilfields. [FR]
APR 12 Internal State Dept. memo: history of U.S.-Tibet relations; 'suzerainty' actually amounts to current Tibetan autonomy more than it does Chinese control or sovereignty over a vassal state; U.S. should refer in future instead to Chinese de jure authority over Tibet; Communist takeover in China would favor U.S. recognition of independent Tibet unless the Chinese Nationalist government survives; U.N. membership for Tibet depends upon Soviet actions, the practicality of U.S. support for Tibet and how long China will be disunited. [FR, IX, 1065-71]
APR 12 U.S. Embassy in India urges U.S. contacts with the Tibetan Government if for no other reason than to contain Communism. [FR, IX, 1071]
MAY 3 Secretary Acheson refers to de facto Tibet Government purchase of gold from U.S. in wire to Embassy in India. [FR, 1073]
MAY 3 Chennault urges U.S. to defend southern China. [CQ1, 86]
MAY 21 U.S. Embassy in India reports to State Dept. doubts that India would use force in opposing a Chinese invasion of Tibet. India has advised the U.K. not to make a Lhasa visit in the summer. [FR, IX, 1073]
JUN 4 U.S. chargé in Moscow fully supports U.S. contacts with Tibet Government. [FR, IX, 1075]
JUL 2 U.S. Embassy in India now more urgently proposes a U.S. mission to Lhasa since the Nationalist Chinese government is non-functioning. India has a monopoly over speedy communications and international relations between Tibet and the outside world. [FR, IX, 1076]
JUL 2 Secretary of State reports to U.S. Embassy in India that U.S. gold sales to Tibet do not constitute official recognition of Tibet as a sovereign country, but that the U.S. is now reviewing its Tibet policy. [FR, IX, 1077]
JUL 8 U.S. Ambassador to China seconds the idea of a U.S. mission to Lhasa especially now that U.S. recognition of Tibetan independence could be made prior to a Communist victory or before relations are established with a Communist China. [FR, IX, 1078] JUL 23 Chinese government representatives are expelled from Lhasa by the Tibetan Government. [NY]
JUL 24 India sends envoy to Lhasa to report on expulsion of Chinese representatives. [NY] JUL 25 Ambassador Lo Chia Neun reports the expulsions were due to fears that the Chinese representatives were Communists. [NY]
JUL 28 Secretary of State asks U.S. Embassy in India to consider covert missions to Lhasa. [FR, IX, 1078]
JUL 30 U.S. Embassy in India reports Nationalist Chinese mission in Lhasa expelled, leaving India as the only nation with an official presence in Tibet. [FR, IX, 1079]
AUG Nationalist China "recognizes" the Sining candidate as the Seventh Panchen Lama in a manner contrary to Tibetan tradition. [MG, 185]
AUG? Lowell Thomas, Sr. and Jr. visit Tibet and are in Lhasa for a little more than a week. [TS, 298]
AUG 5 U.S. Embassy in India opposes a covert U.S. mission to Lhasa and again reports concern over India's monopoly on Tibet's world relations. [FR, ]
AUG 5 White paper on U.S. China policy issued secretly by U.S. State Department. [CQ1, 87]
AUG 7 Chinese Nationalist Acting President Li appeals to Tibet to restore representatives in Lhasa. [NY]
AUG 8 India-Bhutan border treaty. [FW, 72]
AUG 11 Dalai Lama calls for religious rites and prayers to help stem Chinese Communist advances on Tibet. [NY]
AUG 12 Panchen Lama seeking end of 25-year exile from Tibet. [NY]
AUG 12 Adoption of Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Article 382 prohibits occupying powers from transferring parts of their own civilian population into occupied territories. []
AUG 29 First atomic test by the U.S.S.R. [RP, 53]
SEP U.S. consulate in Sinkiang closes. MacKiernan and Bessac plan trek to India via Tibet. [1950 FR, VI, 358]
SEP 3 Chinese Communists vow to 'liberate' Tibet. [NY]
SEP 3 U.S. detects radioactivity over Pacific from U.S.S.R. atomic test. [RP, 53]
SEP 5 CIA begins covert programs to air-drop agents into Communist countries. [TP, 42-43]
SEP 21 Panchen Lama seeks Chinese troop escort to Tibet. [NY]
SEP 29 Chinese Communists declare previous KMT (Nationalist) international treaties will be reconsidered, opening the door to future territorial expansion. [FW, 24]
OCT 1 People's Republic of China declared by Communists after Nationalists retreat to Taiwan and Burma. [MS, 303]
OCT 11 Lowell Thomas, Sr. interview with Dalai Lama, who fears that the Tibetan Government will be overthrown if Communists invade. [NY]
OCT 12 Secretary of State lists conditions for U.S. recognition of the People's Republic of China. [CQ1, 87]
OCT 13 Nehru meets with President Truman and Secretary Acheson in Washington and says foreign-dominated communism is alien to the Chinese mind and that China is preoccupied with an agrarian revolution. [FR]
OCT 17 Lowell Thomas brings messages from Dalai Lama and Regent to Truman and Acheson asking for U.S. aid against a Chinese Communist invasion. [NY]
OCT 25 U.S. considering official recognition of Tibet. [NY]
NOV 2 Tibetan Government reasserts its independence and asks Mao for assurances that PLA troops won't cross border. Tibet asks for negotiations on Tibetan territories previously annexed by China. [FR, IX, 1081]
NOV 16 Indian Prime Minister Nehru publicly claims Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet. [FR, IX, 1082]
NOV 21 U.S. Embassy in India reports contents of Tibet Foreign Office letter to U.S. Secretary of State dated 11/4/49: PLA units have invaded Lanchow, Chinghai and Sinkiang, and infiltrate Amdo; Mao adopts aggressive attitude; Tibet requests U.S., U.K. and Indian aid; Indian government has decided to abandon Tibet except to supply small arms. [FR, IX, 1080-82]
NOV 22 U.S. chargé in India wires State Dept. that although U.K. policy is not finalized, U.K. is distressed that India is not upholding former British policy on Tibet. [FR, IX, 1083]
NOV 23 U.S. chargé in India wires State Dept. to report on U.K. policy: Tibet invasion not imminent, but Tibet should not provoke China by asserting its independence; Tibetans should be given weapons and encouraged to resist short of leaving the impression that major powers will assist militarily; U.K. worried about the fate of Nepal. [FR, IX, 1084]
NOV 25 Chinese Communists urge Tibetans to revolt, claim the Panchen Lama has asked PLA troops to 'liberate' Tibet. [NY]
NOV 28 Indian External Affairs minister publicly denies Tibet has asked for assistance from India. [FR, IX, 1087]
NOV 28 U.K. reports to State Dept. that Tibet was told of a sympathetic consideration for its U.N. plea and U.K. wants to know the U.S. position. [FR, IX, 1085]
DEC 1 U.S. Ambassador in India wires State Dept. to report that U.K. advising India on policy of passive restraint. U.S. surprised at India's public announcement that Tibet has not asked for assistance. [FR, IX, 1087]
DEC 2 U.S.S.R. claims U.K. and U.S. want Tibet as a military base against China and calls Thomas visit interference. [NY]
DEC 2 U.S. Ambassador in India wires State Dept. that India claims not to have received a plea from Tibet, but that India says she can do little other than warn Nepal. [FR, IX, 1087]
DEC 3 Tibetan Cabinet wires U.S. State Dept.: Tibet is independent and opposes Communism; Tibet wants U.N. membership, most strongly asking for U.S. good offices. [FR, IX, 1087]
DEC 7 Secretary of State Acheson wires U.S. Ambassador in India on latest Tibetan plea for U.N. membership, asking for Ambassador to obtain the British position. [FR, IX, 1089]
DEC 8 U.S. Ambassador in India reports to State Dept.: India tending to forsake Nepal also; U.K. plan for a Lhasa mission has been scrapped; the Embassy now suggests no U.S. mission to Lhasa. [FR, IX, 1089]
DEC 8 U.K. wires India the opinion that U.S.S.R. would veto a Tibetan application to U.N., suggesting Tibetans meet a U.K.-India team somewhere in India. [FR, IX, 1090]
DEC 9 Acheson wires U.S. Ambassador in India to inform Tibetans that their request is being carefully considered, but tells the Ambassador that a U.S. mission to Lhasa is off. [FR, IX, 1090]
DEC 12 U.K. official policy paper on Tibet places brunt on India but discourages Indian military assistance to Tibet. U.K. may supply some arms but policy is to do nothing other than publicly support Tibetan 'autonomy'. [FR, IX, 1091]
DEC 14 S.J.J.Singh says China infiltrating Tibet in prelude to revolution. [NY]
DEC 14 U.S. Ambassador in India advises State Dept. to adopt U.K. policy: stop a Tibetan mission to the U.S. and stall on informing Tibet of a clear rejection of its U.N. appeal. [FR, IX, 1091]
DEC 15 U.S. Ambassador in India repeats advice to State Dept. that U.S. put off Lhasa visit and not provoke U.S.S.R. by seeming to aid Tibet. [FR, IX, 1092]
DEC 16 U.S. Ambassador in India tells State Dept.: Indian agent in Lhasa, Richardson, expects Chinese invasion next summer; 20,000 troops would be enough to defeat Tibetans; India had its agent in Lhasa, Dayal, argue against Tibetan letter of independence to Mao, but Tibet has now asked India for help in raising a Tibetan army of 100,000; Richardson thinks 50,000 is possible; Tibet may invoke Treaty of 1856 for protection by Nepal. [FR, IX, 1093-95]
DEC 22 Tibet wires U.S. President and Secretary of State: crisis has been reached and a special mission is being sent to the U.S. consisting of Lachag Khenchung Thubten Sanghe and Rimshi Dingja. [FR]
DEC 30 India recognizes the People's Republic of China. [CQ1, 88]
DEC 30 Truman approves NSC 48/2 policy commitment on Asia, reducing defense of Taiwan. [JS, 35]
DEC 30 U.S. Ambassador in India wires State Dept.: India's policy is to not ask China at all about Tibetan 'autonomy'; India has supplied Tibet with a negligible amount of arms; no decision reached on Tibet's U.N. plea. [FR, IX, 1097]
DEC 30 India recognizes the People's Republic of China. [CQ1, 88]
1950/
1950 NSC 68 commits the U.S. to a massive military build-up. [JS, 40]
JAN Truman announces the U.S. will not defend Taiwan. [JS, 35]
JAN 1 Radio Peking announces PLA goal to 'liberate' Tibet. [JA, 26]
JAN 5 U.S.S.R. press hints U.S.S.R. will back China's claim to Tibet. [NY]
JAN 6 U.K. recognizes the People's Republic of China. [CQ1, 88]
JAN 8 Radio Peking calls for early invasion to 'liberate' Tibet. [NY]
JAN 10 U.S. Ambassador in India makes secret report to State Dept.: India has no intention to raise the Tibet issue with China and will not answer Tibet's request for two officers to train Tibetan troops other than a detachment at Gyantse; India disfavors Tibet's U.N. admission and says Tibet had not even asked India for help in this regard. [FR, VI, 272]
JAN 11 State Dept. wires U.S. Ambassador in India a reply asking for final recommendation on a proposed U.S. Lhasa trip and its pleasure that India wants to maintain a diplomatic 'status quo'. [FR, VI, 273]
JAN 12 Radio Peking reiterates Communist plans for Tibet. [NY]
JAN 12 Secretary of State Acheson delivers a major speech before National Press Club on U.S.-Asia policy. Acheson defines U.S. primary goal as an undivided China. [JS, 35]
JAN 12 Acheson sends a secret wire to U.S. Embassy in India: stop Tibetan Government mission to U.S., with U.K. and Indian assistance, if necessary; Acheson suggests a Tibetan visit might upset the Chinese. [FR, VI, 275]
JAN 14 U.S. recalls all consular officials from China after China seizes the U.S. consulate in Peking. [CQ1, 89]
JAN 20 U.S. Joint Chiefs recommend study of covert actions in Tibet. [FR, VI, 7]
JAN 20 U.S. Ambassador in India replies to Acheson in secret cables: India is vague on the U.S. meeting with Tibetans in India as an alternative to a U.S. visit, Nehru thinks U.S. mission to Lhasa would hasten Chinese invasion. [FR, VI, 283, 285]
JAN 22 Communist China demands Tibetans send representatives to Peking to settle status of Tibet and that Tibetan Government curtail 'unlawful' missions abroad. [NY]
JAN 23 Chinese designs on Tibet confirmed by Chu Teh. [NY]
JAN 24 Moscow reportedly spurring China to invade Tibet. [NY]
JAN 25 NYT editorial on Tibet. [NY]
JAN 28 U.S.S.R. press reports 'liberation' of Tibet is imminent and U.S.-U.K. inspired coup attempt failed in Lhasa in summer of 1949 and that Sikh princes plot to use 'border province' as a base against Tibet. [NY]
JAN 29 U.S.S.R. demands concessions from China on minorities policies at Moscow summit. [NY]
JAN 31 Chinese communists again demand Tibetan Government send representatives to 'negotiate' in Peking, promise regional 'autonomy' and urge Tibetan Government to cancel 'foreign relations overtures' to Western nations. [NY]
JAN 31 President Truman authorizes production of nuclear fusion (hydrogen) bombs by the U.S. [RP, 56]
JAN 31 India-Nepal border treaty. [FW, 70]
JAN 31 Tibet radio appeals for aid against Communist invasion. [CQ1, 89]
FEB 1 Dalai Lama asks for foreign aid and radio transmitters to prevent Communist invasion. Tibet hopes to make regular broadcasts in three languages to keep world informed. [NY]
FEB 3 Lhasa Government makes request from U.S. for high-powered radio transmitter. [FR, VI, 362]
FEB 7 Prime Minister Nehru says India sees Tibet as 'autonomous' under nominal 'suzerainty' of China, but says Tibetans should decide their own future. [NY]
FEB 14 Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance sets stage for nuclear cooperation and China gives up its claim to (Outer) Mongolia. [FW, 24]
FEB 16 India backs status quo in Tibet and will support policy by diplomacy alone. [NY] FEB 23 Regent and Dalai Lama ask Indian President Prasad for stronger Tibet-India ties. [NY]
MAR 1 Sec. of State sends secret wire to U.S. Embassy in India that State Dept. wants India to provide Tibet defense assistance and U.S. desires information on Tibetan plans to resist and its military needs. [FR, VI, 314]
MAR 8 U.S. Ambassador in India wires top secret response listing level of Indian arms to Tibet. U.K. and U.S. both think Tibet needs military training for arms supply to be of any real use in opposing a full Chinese invasion. [FR, VI, 317]
MAR 9 Tibetan Government recalls representatives sent abroad to assert national independence from Peking and urges former military commander Dzasa Yuthok to return from India. Austrian merchant Harrer named commander of E. Tibet frontier forces. Wealthy Tibetans preparing to leave Tibet. Religious institutions trying to save rare texts in Bhutan and Sikkim. [NY]
MAR 12 900 Chinese troops occupy Kakhajar near Tibet frontier, political situation in Tibet deteriorating. [NY]
APR 12 U.S. Ambassador to India wires Sec. of State that India is convinced the U.S. supports Pakistan in dispute over Kashmir for U.S. strategic reasons. [FR]
APR 19 Sec. of State Acheson seeks to covertly strengthen Tibetan military, but U.S. relies on covert Indian aid to Tibet supplied by U.K. [FR, VI, 330]
APR 20 Tibet Government seeks better relations with China and top level talks. [NY]
APR 24 U.S. Ambassador in India wires Sec. of State that Tibetans chagrined at U.S. and other refusals of aid, and Shakabpa may begin negotiations for autonomy agreement with China. [FR, VI, 331]
APR 26 Soviet military jets supplied to China. [LL, 7] APR 29 Vice Consul MacKiernan shot and killed by a Tibetan border patrol, Bessac continues on to Lhasa. [FR, VI, 358]
MAY 10 After Radio Peking announces regional autonomy and religious freedom for Tibet if Tibet would agree to peaceful liberation' PLA units take Denko across the Yangtze, recaptured two weeks later by 600 Tibetan troops led by Muja Dapon with 600 Chinese dead. [MP, 19-27]
MAY 10 Robert Ford in Chamdo receives radio signal from Tibetan radio operators in Denko on the Upper Yangtse that Chinese forces have invaded. Governor Lalhu decides to defend Chamdo at any cost. [MP, 19]
MAY 13 Tibetan delegation to meet with Chinese representatives in Hong Kong. [NY]
MAY 16 India denies Radio Moscow report that India grants U.S. permission to transit India with arms for Tibet. Tibetans seeking autonomy in exchange for pledge not to make ties to the West. China unlikely to invade Tibet until summer. [NY]
MAY 23 Radio Peking urges Dalai Lama to accept allegiance to Communist government and pledges autonomy for Tibet. Chinese SW troops ready to invade Tibet. Dalai Lama's brother confers with Chiang Kai-shek on Taiwan on the future of Tibet. [NY]
MAY 23 8-member delegation from Lhasa to go to Hong Kong for negotiations with Chinese Communists. [NY]
JUN Pomdatsang brothers offer private Kham armies to both sides, China wins their support from base at Dartsedo. [JA, 29]
JUN 3 State Department agrees with Tibetan Government request that no U.S. officials enter Tibet to meet Bessac's party from Sinkiang so as not to compromise Tibetan negotiations with China. [FR, VI, 358]
JUN 5 U.S. embassy at Delhi confirms that China has invaded eastern Tibet and captured several villages and a mobile radio unit. [FR, VI, 362]
JUN 6 Two members of Tibetan delegation denied permit to fly to Hong Kong from India purportedly due to visa problems. [NY]
JUN 7 Three members of delegation arrive in New Delhi to meet with India Foreign Office and U.K. High Commissioner. [NY]
JUN 8 Three members visas held up by U.K. [NY]
JUN 9 Tibetan delegation makes unofficial visit to U.S. embassy in Delhi and admits Tibet made efforts for closer ties to the U.S. too late. [FR, VI, 360]
JUN 11 Bessac arrives in Lhasa. [FR, VI, 358]
JUN 14 State Dept. has no objections to selling napalm bombs to Chinese Government. [FR, VI, 363]
JUN 15 Three members say they will assert Tibetan independence at meeting with China, but U.K. claims discussions will lead to Communist rule and cancels visas to Hong Kong. [NY]
JUN 16 Shakabpa asks U.S. Embassy in Delhi whether U.S. will help Tibet in the event of a Chinese invasion. State Dept. believes small amount of covert assistance to Tibet could forestall Chinese invasion especially if U.S. and its allies were cool on changing Tibet's international status. U.K. representative pessimistic that U.K. could pressure India regarding aid to Tibet. [FR, VI, 364, 424]
JUN 20 U.K. links recognition of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet to autonomy for Tibet, but is unwilling to confront China. U.K. believes Tibetans will only nominally resist. [FR, VI, 365] JUN 25 U.S. Army-State Dept. conference on U.S. intervention in Korea under U.N. aegis. [JS, 35]
JUN 25 North Korean forces cross 38th parallel, U.N. calls for troops in Korea. [CQ1, 90] JUN 27 Truman approves air and ground attack on N. Korea. [CQ1, 90] JUL 11 U.S. intere
sted in approaching Tibetan mission in India with promise of secret U.S. aid. [FR, VI, 376]
JUL 14 Taiwan representatives say 20,000 Chinese troops have moved into Tibet. [NY]
JUL 15 U.S. Embassy in Delhi doubts Korean conflict will spur India to assist Tibet and that India would oppose U.S. aid to Tibet. Ambassador suggests telling Tibetans that U.S. now willing to provide aid in principle and asking for particulars. [FR, VI, 376]
JUL 21 Report from China discounts moves against Tibet. [NY]
JUL 22 Sec. of State Acheson commits U.S. to secret aid to Tibetans, without the knowledge of India and with assurance that U.K. will not inform India. [FR, VI, 386]
JUL 23 China will absorb Tibet by political, economic and military means. [NY]
JUL 29 Tibetans in India say one American killed and one wounded in frontier guard error at Nakstang. Believed to be vice-consul from Urmchi missing since September 1949, D. MacKiernan and party. [NY]
JUL 30 Armed Tibetans fighting PLA troops. Lhasa asks that Peking authorize Chinese Ambassador to India to discuss Tibet status. Tibet to seek status as buffer state. G.S. Gyamtso said to be vice president of a Chinese 'provisional government' in Tibet. U.S. State Dept. confirms MacKieran was killed April 3rd. [NY]
AUG Tibetan Cabinet sends minister Ngabo Ngawang Jigme to assume Governor-Generalship at Chamdo. [JA, 30]
AUG 1 Chinese Gen. Liu Po-cheng describes preparations for 'liberation' of Tibet. Shak Do Ton urges Chinese invasion. [NY]
AUG 4 U.S. tells Shakabpa in Delhi that U.S. will provide Tibet financial and military aid, but Tibet must first ask India for more aid and if refused ask for cooperation with delivery of secret aid from U.S. Tibet says it can provide landing fields at Lhasa, Gartok and Chamdo, but U.S. response is cool to suggestions of flights from Burma or Pakistan if India uncooperative. Shakabpa says Tibet refuses Chinese suzereignty and is playing for time and welcomed U.K. refusal of visas to Hong Kong. Ambassador reports to Acheson that U.K. willing to replace Indian military stocks so that India can continue to provide aid to Tibet. [FR, VI, 424]
AUG 5 CIA clandestine air forces in Asia begin flights over China to support Nationalist sabotage and guerilla operations. [SS, 149]
AUG 6 Earthquake rocks SE Tibet and Assam, the 2nd largest ever recorded in the 20th century. Tibetans consider this an ill omen. [MP, 31]
AUG 6 Gen. Liu Po-cheng promises regional rule, religious freedom and social reform to Tibetans. [NY]
AUG 9 PLA troops march towards Tibet border. [NY]
AUG 10 India Government denies Chinese troop movements and recognize Chinese claim to Tibet. [NY]
AUG 13 800,000 PLA troops ready for invasion of Tibet, 'liberation' propaganda noted. [NY]
AUG 14 U.S. Ambassador in India wires State Dept. that India has been told U.S. willing to aid Tibetan Government if Tibet first asks India. India has secretly urged China not to invade Tibet. [FR, VI, 440]
AUG 15 Tibetan art exhibit opens in New York City. [NY]
AUG 16 India High Commissioner Menon says in London that India is trying to moderate Chinese actions against Tibet. [NY]
AUG 18 U.S. Embassy at Delhi informs Tibetan delegation in Calcutta that U.S. has told India of conditions for U.S. aid to Tibet via India. [FR, VI, 440]
AUG 19 India Government disavows Menon's remarks reported 16 August. Tibetans in Calcutta disagree. [NY]
AUG 20 China using political and religious strife to undermine Tibet. [NY]
AUG 21 Bessac crosses Tibetan frontier into India. [FR, VI, 358
AUG 22 Tibet negotiating with China in India. [NY]
AUG 23 China will invade Tibet from Sinkiang. [NY]
AUG 25 China replies to India that it must maintain sovereignty over Tibet and did not wish for armed conflict. China has instructed its India ambassador to begin talks with Tibetans at Delhi, with final negotiations in Peking. [FR, VI, 449]
AUG 25 Nehru says India wants peaceful settlement in China-Tibet talks. [NY]
AUG 27 W. Churchill sees Chinese invasion of Tibet as imminent. [NY]
AUG 28 Secret U.S. policy statement on Nepal: Permanent post in Kathmandu would provide U.S. a regular channel of information on Tibet, with whom Nepal has active foreign relations. Tibet still paying Nepal an annual tribute stemming from Nepal's 1854 invasion of Tibet. [FR]
AUG 31 Peking informs India it wants settlement in New Delhi talks. [NY]
SEP 1 China to confer with Tibet thru its Indian Embassy. [NY]
SEP 6 Tibetans to confer with Nehru prior to meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yuan. [NY]
SEP 9 Tibetan delegation meets with U.S. ambassador in India. Shakabpa says Tibetan Government has decided to forcefully resist Chinese incursion and is grateful for offer of U.S. military aid. Tibetans confirm concentrations of Chinese troops along border at Jyekundo, Nagchen, Degegonchen and Batang, and say weather conditions during the next five months would not prevent military operations. Tibetan Government disappointed with British attitude on Chinese suzereignty and hopes for full independence or status quo to be maintained. [FR, VI, 493]
SEP 12 Nepalese concern reported at Tibet situation. [NY]
SEP 15 Acting Sec. of State Webb sends top secret wire to U.S. Embassy in India that Tibetans have been informed of U.S. willingness to provide military assistance. U.S. also willing to supply radio transmitter, but U.S. believes direct coded radio communications between Lhasa and Washington impractical. Tibetans should continue to communicate with U.S. via Delhi embassy and Calcutta consulate. [FR, VI, 503]
SEP 15 U.S. forces land at Inchon, Korea, as U.N. forces begin major offensive. [CQ1, 92]
SEP 25 PLA troops combat Tibetans in Kham. [NY]
SEP 28 Indonesia joins U.N. [UN]
OCT 1 Dalai Lama's sister carries message from Lhasa to negotiators in New Delhi. [NY]
OCT 2 Chinese Government calls for 'liberation' of Tibet by arms. [NY]
OCT 3 China wants Tibet pact signed in Peking. [NY]
OCT 7 84,000 PLA troops of 1st and 2d Field Armies under Gen. Liu Bating cross Yangtse and in six-prong attack hit border towns from Tsakhalo to Denko. China captures Khatang Dapon HQ at Rangsum and ferry post at Kamthog Druka. Tsakhalo holds but is cut off. Large town of Markham falls and Prince of Derge surrenders. Denko holds and Muja Dapon pushes Chinese back over the Yangtse but, outflanked to the north, retreats to protect Riwoche. Jyekundo occupied. [JA, 30]
OCT 7 Ngabo wires news of invasion to Lhasa. Riwoche surrenders. Ngabo panics and asks Lhasa for permission to surrender, which the Tibetan Government refuses. [JA, 31]
OCT 7 Khampas and Tibetan army in fierce resistance suffer 4,000 casualties. [MG, 154]
OCT 7 U.S. troops cross 38th parallel in Korea. [CQ1, 92]
OCT 7 China says PLA troops have liberated Sinkiang and entered northern Tibet. [NY]
OCT 8 U.N. backs MacArthur plans for crossing 38th parallel towards the total occupation of Korea. Chinese embassy in India denies invasion of Tibet. Tibetan delegation says they have no information. [NY]
OCT 9 MacArthur gives North Korea ultimatum to surrender or face invasion. [NY]
OCT 12 India press says PLA troops are 50 miles into Kham. [NY]
OCT 13 U.S. ambassador in India says India cannot confirm reports of Chinese invasion of Tibet. U.S. irritated that India has supported Chinese U.N. membership and conveyed Chinese intention to intervene in Korea. [FR, VI, 531]
OCT 16 Chinese deny entering Tibet. Panchen Lama followers said to be in influx. [NY]
OCT 17 Ngabo flees after ordering vital ammunition dump destroyed. Betrayed, the Khampas rampage. [JA, 32]
OCT 18 Ngabo orders 500 of Muja Dapon's troops along with 1,500 of his own to surrender to 100 PLA artillery soldiers. [JA, 32]
OCT 20 Tibetan forces under Ngabo surrender. [MG, 160]
OCT 20 U.N. forces capture Pyongyang, North Korea. [CQ1, 92]
OCT 22 PLA forces control Lho Dzong at Salween River. [LT, 90]
OCT 25 Tibetan delegation suddenly leaves Delhi for Peking under instructions by Lhasa Government. [FR, VI, 540]
OCT 25 Peking Radio announces PLA troop movements into Tibet are to stop 'imperialist oppression'. Tibetan delegation to go to Peking conference. China-Tibet relations since 1914 are reviewed. India concerned over talks. [NY]
OCT 26 U.S. ambassador in India believes Tibetans have failed to discuss military aid from U.S. due to negative attitude of Indian Government. [FR, VI, 540]
OCT 26 U.S. doubts invasion of Tibet, citing weather, even as China reports news of its military advances. Tibetan mission leader calls reports 'propaganda'. [NY]
OCT 26 South Korean troops first encounter Chinese PLA forces at Manchuria border. [CQ1, 92]
OCT 27 Sec. of State Acheson top secret wire to U.S. embassy in India urges Indian Government to forestall Chinese conquest of Tibet, but U.S. will not press India to take action. [FR, VI, 545]
OCT 27 Tibetans in India confirm invasion. Peking-Nehru ties damaged. Indian army skeptical of reports. [NY]
OCT 28 Indian representative in Lhasa confirms invasion to Nehru. [LT, 91]
OCT 28 Nehru protests invasion to Peking, threatening 'action'. Peking downplays military moves. [NY]
OCT 29 Indian Ambassador Panikkar confirms invasion. India-China relations strained. India may concede Tibet to China but hope for autonomy. Tibet appeals to India to raise issue in U.N. Pakistan says Chinese moves internal affair. [NY]
OCT 30 PLA troops advance on Lhasa on four fronts. Tibetan mission leaves Calcutta. Peking surprised at Indian protest. [NY]
OCT 31 U.S. ambassador in India thinks China will continue its conquest of Tibet regardless of Indian sensibilities. India has instructed its mission to remain open in Lhasa and its military training mission to stay in Gyantse. India has also advised Tibetans not to send delegation to Peking at time of military invasion. [FR, VI, 548]
OCT 31 PLA troops 200 miles from Lhasa. 'People's forces' rising against Lhasa. Ambassador comments on invasion. [NY]
NOV Dalai Lama's brother Taktser Rinpoche (Thupten Jigme Norbu) arrives in Lhasa after being held under duress in Amdo. He witnessed destruction of Kumbum Monastery and reports that Sining Governor wanted him to betray Tibet so that it could be annexed to China. [D3, 53-54]
NOV 1 Sec. of State Acheson says at news conference that very little information was available about situation in Tibet, but the U.S. would view seriously any new evidence of Communist aggression there. [FR, VI, 551]
NOV 1 50,000 PLA troops 100 miles from Lhasa. Peking says invasion is internal affair and rejects Indian protest. China offers to negotiate with Tibetan delegation in India. [NY]
NOV 2 U.S. ambassador in India discusses Chinese invasion of Tibet with Nehru, who urges U.S. to do nothing. [FR, VI, 550]
NOV 2 Second diplomatic note from India opposes China. India Cabinet Minister Patel praises Tibet as peaceful country. India will not withdraw troops from trade route and Gyantse. China pushing indoctrinated border Tibetans into Tibet. Tibetan Government stymied. Dalai Lama may flee. Peking Radio says Chamdo captured along with two Britons and two Indians. China claims war campaign began October 7th with Gen. Liu Po-cheng's 2d field army taking Markham Dzong with no opposition. China says garrison and its leader defected. Secretary of State Acheson declines comment but says U.S. is concerned. [NY]
NOV 3 India asks Tibetan mission to Peking to wait for cease-fire, condemns invasion and says Sino-Indian relations damaged. China says India influenced by U.S. and U.K. attempt to control Tibet. Moscow press article supports China. India-China diplomatic exchange published. [NY]
NOV 3 PLA troops begin counter-attack on U.N. forces in Korea. [CQ1, 92]
NOV 4 PLA troops 135 miles from Lhasa. Chamdo taken. Tibetan Government to flee. India may raise issue at U.N. [NY]
NOV 5 Communications restored between Lhasa and Delhi. [LT, 94]
NOV 5 India says Lhasa-New Delhi radio dead for six days. UP says Dalai Lama may be held by pro-Communist Tibetans. Major impact on Sino-Indian relations seen. [NY]
NOV 6 Indian agent in Lhasa, S. Sinha, says Dalai Lama still in Lhasa and that Chamdo was taken with help from deserting Tibetan troops. He says Tibetan Government stopped Peking delegation and may appeal to U.N. Panchen Lama with PLA 100 miles from Lhasa. London stock market reacts. [NY]
NOV 7 PLA at Reting, 60 miles from Lhasa, and advance toward Gartok. Tibetans may oppose own Government and aid overthrow. U.K. may appeal to U.N. Security Council. [NY]
NOV 7 Tibetan Cabinet cables appeal to U.N. via India. (Full text: [D1, 249-253]) [HC, 75]
NOV 8 U.S. silent on Chinese war against Tibet. Interim Tibetan Government orders troops not to resist. [NY]
NOV 9 Sec. of State Acheson refers to Chinese Communist invasion of Tibet in wire to U.S. Asian consulates. [FR, VI, 157]
NOV 9 PLA 40 miles from Lhasa, which is surrounded. Pro-China government orders troops not to resist. India claims it has no further news. [NY]
NOV 9 Chinese troops reported in Lhasa. [CQ1, 92]
NOV 10 Indian press report from Kalimpong says Peking radio has announced a Tibet-China agreement and cease-fire. [LT, 95]
NOV 10 Patel condemns Chinese attack on Tibet. [FR]
NOV 10 Minister Patel urges Indians to resist incursions on northern frontier. PLA troops by-pass Phondo Dzong. Tibetan Government distressed and considers capitulation. Peking notes Pakistani criticism of Nehru's objections to invasion. Communist 'reforms' in occupied Tibet described. [NY]
NOV 11 Tibetan leaders wire an appeal to the U.N. from Kalimpong. (Full text: [D1, 249-253]) [MG, 160]
NOV 11 India says Tibet asks U.N. mediation, but deny Voice of America broadcasts that PLA have entered Lhasa. India rejects Chinese demand that Indian troops withdraw. U.N. reluct to take up Tibet issue. [NY]
NOV 12 Ambassador Henderson says U.S. will not intervene. Tibetan Cabinet split on resistance. Some PLA defection in Kham under Gen. Lin Wen-hui. China repeats 'offer' of religious freedom and autonomy. [NY]
NOV 14 Tibetan National Assembly sends peace delegation to meet invaders to make truce. Earlier reports of leftist seizure of Tibetan Government in error. Tibet asks U.N. aid, asserting independence since 1914, but no nation is willing to raise issue in Security Council. National Assembly orders Peking mission to halt until Chinese withdraw troops. Sinha reports Lhasa quiet. India Parliament backs second Nehru protest. Some invaders are mounted Chinese Moslems. [NY]
NOV 15 Prasad backs Tibetan autonomy. Tibetans in India hope that cease-fire efforts will spare Lhasa from attack. India wary of Chinese forces nearby. Possible Peking order of cease-fire. [NY]
NOV 16 Sec. of State Acheson informs U.S. delegation at U.N. to follow India's lead on Tibet and make to most of propaganda value to help U.S. positions on Formosa and Korea. U.S. will not take initiative and doubts U.N. action would preserve Tibetan autonomy. [FR, VI, 577]
NOV 16 U.N. delegate from El Salvador asks General Assembly to debate Tibet invasion. Sinha denies Tibet-China pact on Tibet status. U.S. pushes India role on Tibet. El Salvador pressured to drop matter. PLA stalled at Lharigno, 250 miles NE of Lhasa. [NY]
NOV 17 Dalai Lama assumes full leadership of Tibet at age 15, undermining Panchen Lama. China again rejects Indian
protests as interference in internal affairs. El Salvador refuses to drop Tibet issue. [NY]
NOV 18 TiBet to send three delegates to U.N. Indian official says India will back Tibet at U.N. [NY]
NOV 19 El Salvador offers U.N. resolution condemning invasion. China claims U.S.-U.K. plot to undermine Sino-Indian relations. [NY]
NOV 21 Nehru says India accepts McMahon line fixing NE border with Tibet since 1914 and sends further troop reinforcements to northern frontier. U.N. holds off resolution discussion. [NY]
NOV 22 Three-man U.N. delegation leaves Lhasa. U.S.S.R. had surveyed Tibet in April-June 1950 for air bases. [NY]
NOV 23 U.S.S.R. role in Tibet described. [NY] NOV 24 U.N. General Assembly votes unanimously to postpone consideration of Tibet question based upon India's hope that China will make peaceful
settlement. U.K. representative says legal situation of Tibet is obscure. [FR, VI, 583] NOV 24 Nehru says India will keep diplomatic representatives in
Tibet in accord with treaties despite invasion. Further reports on U.S.S.R. role in Tibet. [NY]
NOV 25
U.N. postpones action when India says Tibet and China can reach settlement. [NY]
NOV 26 U.S. Senator Knowland attacks India for lack of firm stand against invasion. India resists Chinese claim to border areas. [NY]
NOV 26 China sends 300,000 troops across border into North Korea against U.S. and U.N. forces. [JS, 100]
NOV 28 NSC meeting concurs with MacArthur's defensive posture in Korea considering extent of Chinese forces. [JS, 107]
NOV 29 Dalai Lama sends treasure to Phari Dzong. [NY]
NOV 30 U.S. ambassador in India wires Sec. of State that India has not challenged Chinese claims to Tibet and that supposed assurances from China which postponed U.N. debate are dubious. [FR, VI, 584]
DEC India-Sikkim border treaty. [FW, 71]
DEC Before leaving Lhasa for Yatung, Dalai Lama appoints Lobsang Tashi and Lukhangwa as Prime Ministers. [D1, 85]
DEC 1 Dalai Lama ready to flee. Gold transfer to Sikkim. El Salvador urges U.N. action on China invasion. [NY]
DEC 1 Secret U.S. policy statement on India: U.S. wants Indian manganese for steel industry and access to Indian air transport services. U.S. should offer to develop air navigation and communications facilities. [FR]
DEC 2 Tibet urges action on U.N. resolution. [NY]
DEC 3 China reports capture of Lolungchung. Tibetan Cabinet prepares for relocation of administration. [NY]
DEC 5 British radio operator Robert Ford said captured and charged with killing a lama. (See his: Captured in Tibet) [NY]
DEC 8 U.S. Commerce Dept. complete embargo of China. [CQ1, 93]
DEC 9 Peking radio says Tibetans released after indoctrination. [NY]
DEC 12 China establishes a government in western Sikang province formerly under Lhasa control. Nehru says PLA has not passed Chamdo. [NY]
DEC 13 Peking radio says Tingching captured. [NY]
DEC 14 Sec. of State Acheson actively exploring possible joint U.S.-U.K.-India effort to obstruct or halt Chinese assault against Tibet, which he reports has been slowed or stalled by winter. [FR, VI, 602]
DEC 16 Sec. of State sent secret wire concerning U.K. diplomatic conference mentioning Chinese invasion of Tibet. [FR, VI, 181]
DEC 18 India believes Tibet's military situation is hopeless. [FR, VI, 603]
DEC 19 Dalai Lama leaves Lhasa for Yatung near Sikkim border. [HC, 76]
DEC 21 Tibetan delegation to U.N. at Kalimpong asks U.S. in letter for help in bringing Tibet matter before the United Nations. [FR, VI, 611]
DEC 21 British Foreign Office believes U.S.S.R. convinced China that U.K. was prompting Indian designs on Tibet. [FR, VI, 184]
DEC 24 Dalai Lama grants amnesty to Tibet dissidents. [NY]
DEC 25 Tibetan Foreign Secretary Dzasa Surkang says guerilla warfare against Chinese will result if no outside aid arrives. [NY]
DEC 26 Dalai Lama fleeing to India. New PLA military moves. [NY]
DEC 27 Government of India expecting Dalai Lama to stay there in exile, he is in transit and should arrive in Gyantse shortly. [FR, VI, 611]
DEC 27 India orders Tibetans to get permits and register as foreigners to enter India. [NY]
DEC 28 Tibetan Government to relocate near India border. [NY]
DEC 30 Secret memo from U.S. State Dept. to British Embassy states universal recognition of Tibet's de facto autonomy since 1914. Depending upon conditions Tibet could be recognized by U.S. as an independent State. [FR, VI, 612-613]
DEC 30 Dalai Lama in transit to Yatung. Tibetan officials confer in Kalimpong, India. Panchen Lama to be installed by China as new Tibet regime. [NY]
DEC 30 U.S. embargoes trade with mainland China. [CQ1, 63]
DEC 31 PLA massed at Rudok. India urges Dalai Lama to defer flight to India until China threat more imminent. [NY]
1951/
1951 Gyalo Thondup and CIA establish intelligence-gathering operation. [JA, 47]
JAN 1 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees becomes operational. [HE, 646]
JAN 2 Indian agent Sinha reportedly ousted from Lhasa by pro-Communists. Dalai Lama in transit to Yatung. [NY]
JAN 4 Dalai Lama arrives at Yatung near Indian border. [MG, 168]
JAN 4 Sinha expulsion not confirmed in India. [NY]
JAN 5 Sinha moving to Gyantse. Chinese Communist mission in Lhasa. [NY]
JAN 6 Sec. of State Acheson sends top secret wire to India embassy that Tibetans should be told U.S. is sympathetic to U.N. appeal and continued Tibetan autonomy. U.S. also believes every effort should be made to hinder Communist occupation of Tibet, although conquest of Tibet seems very probable. [FR, VI, 618]
JAN 7 Dalai Lama's representatives reach Gangtok in Sikkim. [NY]
JAN 8 Government aides join Dalai Lama. [NY]
JAN 9 Chinese flag raised in Lhasa. [NY]
JAN 12 Refuge prepared at Gangtok for the Dalai Lama. [NY]
JAN 12 Joint Chiefs of Staff recommends U.S. attack Chinese targets in Manchuria, blockade Chinese ports, and support Nationalists in attack on mainland. [CQ]
JAN 13 India bars press from entry to Tibet at Tibetan request. [NY]
JAN 14 Dalai Lama representatives in Lhasa negotiate with Chinese. He will return to capital under right conditions. PLA near Shigatse. [NY]
JAN 19 Dalai Lama urges Cabinet to speed U.N. plea. [NY]
JAN 20 Psychological warfare used against Tibetans. Chamdo supposedly taken with fireworks display. [NY]
JAN 21 Indian official says Chinese do not control Tibet. Tibetan officials say PLA as far as Gartok and Lharigo. [NY]
JAN 22 NSC 98/1 on U.S. policy on South Asia says Tibet invasion a factor in threat of loss of India to Communism. Critical for U.S. to develop joint U.S.-U.K. policies to oppose U.S.S.R. inroads and keep U.S. access to strategic resources of India. [FR]
JAN 26 PLA troops withdrawn from northern and western areas of Tibet. [NY]
JAN 27 PLA goal to take Tibet in 1951 described. [NY]
FEB 3 PLA surrounding Lhasa, advance troops at India and western borders. India bolsters border guards. Ganden, Sera, and Drepung monasteries confer with Dalai Lama. [NY]
FEB 11 China insists on Tibet talks in Peking. [NY]
FEB 14 Secret U.S.-U.K. talks in London: U.S. still supporting Tibetan appeal to U.N. but will not initiate any action. U.K. agrees to defer to India, and admits U.N. action would be minimal other than to emphasize a "moral aspect." [FR]
FEB 15 Chinese troops cross India's northeast border. [NY]
FEB 25 Dalai Lama's brother in Yatung for talks. [NY]
FEB 27 China-Tibet talks near. [NY]
FEB 28 Dalai Lama's mother in India on pilgrimage. [NY]
MAR 3 Dalai Lama's mother describes Chinese peace offer. [NY]
MAR 6 Agreement on Tibet autonomy. [NY]
MAR 9 Two delegations on way to Peking. China to end war with assurance of Tibet autonomy. Tibetans surrender due to apathy. [NY]
MAR 13 China border crossing incident downplayed by India. [NY]
MAR 14 Nehru ready to withdraw troops from trade routes. [NY]
MAR 14 Finance Secretary (Tsepon) Shakabpa cleared of unduly delaying mission to Peking. [NY]
MAR 22 Tibet mission led by Dzasa Kunsang to first meet with Nehru. Pravda says a Tibetan lama visits Mao. [NY]
MAR 24 Chinese refugee tells of difficulties of military invasion. [NY]
MAR 30 China in control of western Tibetan passes. [NY]
APR 2 Tibetan mission in New Delhi. [NY]
APR 6 China to build road to Chamdo. [NY]
APR 7 Dalai Lama to return to Lhasa. [NY]
APR 11 MacArthur replaced by Ridgeway for publicly stating plans to widen war against China. [CQ0, 56]
APR 20 Tibetan mission in Hong Kong says no PLA troops in Tibet proper. [NY]
APR 22 Tibet mission leaves for Peking. [NY]
APR 28 Panchen Lama celebrated in Peking. [NY]
APR 29 Sino-Tibetan negotiations begin in Peking. [MG, 169]
MAY 23 17-Point Agreement signed in Peking without approval of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan Government. [JA, 35-36]
MAY 24 Tibetan Government returning to Lhasa. [NY]
MAY 28 China-Tibet agreement signed: Tibet to be autonomous, with its own political and religious institutions, and China to control defense and foreign affairs. Panchen Lama to leave Kumbum for Tibet. [NY]
MAY 29 India upset with pact, may ask China for clarification. [NY]
MAY 30 Four Peking-trained Tibetans to administer Lhasa with PLA commander Chi Chang-chen. Unrest feared at return of Panchen Lama. [NY]
MAY 31 Pravda says U.K. illegally took Bhutan and Sikkim in 1890. [NY]
JUN Taktser Rinpoche writes Dalai Lama from Calcutta advising him to flee to India at once. [D3, 64]
JUN 3 Peking appoints Chang Ching-wu to implement pact. [NY]
JUN 9 Peking radio says PLA preparing to occupy Tibet. [NY]
JUN 12 Nehru says India accepts Communist sovereignty over Tibet. [NY]
JUN 13 Peking radio says China to study conditions in Tibet. [NY]
JUN 19 Dalai Lama undecided on return to Lhasa, some ministers advise rule from India until Communism defeated. [NY]
JUN 22 Pact signing on May 24 illustrated. Mao meets with Panchen Lama. [NY]
JUN 28 Chinese-Tibetan group arrives at Hong Kong en route to administer pact in Tibet. [NY]
JUL Taktser Rinpoche (Dalai Lama's brother) meets with U.S. State Dept. officials. [FR]
JUL Taktser Rinpoche writes Dalai Lama from Calcutta that the U.S. consulate has granted Taktser permission to enter the U.S. U.S. has suggested that once Dalai Lama enters exile in India, U.S. aid may be forthcoming. [D3, 65]
JUL U.S. may be urging Dalai Lama via coded radio between Yatung and Kalimpong to flee Tibet and publicly repudiate the May 23rd Agreement. [MG, 174]
JUL 2 Chinese mission to Tibet in India. [NY]
JUL 6 Communist mission to Tibet in India. [NY]
JUL 9 Dalai Lama's brother Taktser Rinpoche in U.S. [NY]
JUL 14 Gen. Chang Ching-wu arrives in Yatung for talks with Dalai Lama. [MG, 175]
JUL 16 Dalai Lama meets Gen. Chang Ching-wu. [MG, 175]
JUL 16 Dalai Lama to return to Lhasa, PLA troops expected there. [NY]
JUL 17 Dalai Lama summons Tibetan officials from Kalimpong, India, where much wealth reportedly is left behind. [NY]
JUL 18 Dalai Lama ready to repudiate pact with China. [NY]
JUL 23 Dalai Lama en route to Lhasa. [NY]
AUG 1 U.S. ends tariff concessions to Communist-controlled lands. []
AUG 4 India heightens border security with increased PLA troop activity. [NY]
AUG 6 Road being built from Kham to Lhasa. Dalai Lama and Chinese missions near Lhasa. [NY]
AUG 12 China plans road from Lhasa to Taklokot. [NY]
AUG 18 Dalai Lama returns to Lhasa greeted by host. [NY]
AUG 23 China in military control of western Tibet. [NY]
AUG 28 PLA troops mass to control passes into India and Nepal. Tibetan parliament to ratify pact. [NY]
SEP 8 Japanese Peace Treaty signed by 49 nations in San Francisco. [C1, 96]
SEP 9 3,000 Chinese troops enter and begin occupation of Lhasa. 17,000 more troops arrive within 3 months. [JA, 37]
SEP 15 PLA troops in Lhasa. [NY]
SEP 16 Dalai Lama's brother Gyalo Thondup says communism fails in Tibet. [NY]
SEP 25 Panchen Lama leaves Kumbum for Tashilhunpo, said to take religious leadership from Dalai Lama. [NY]
SEP 27 PLA troops confirmed in Lhasa. [NY]
OCT 2 China plans airfield near Lhasa. [NY]
OCT 6 Stalin confirms U.S.S.R. atomic tests. [CQ1, 96]
OCT 7 PLA in control of Lhasa-India road. [NY]
OCT 14 Tibet wants change in pact, delays signing. [NY]
OCT 17 PLA troops headed for Shigatse. Dalai Lama appoints civil administration. [NY]
OCT 19 Chinese occupation military orders confiscation of properties of nobles and officials. [NY]
OCT 23 Monasteries refuse to disarm, PLA reinforces Lhasa. [NY]
OCT 26 Another 5000 Chinese troops arrive in Lhasa. [MG, 179]
OCT 26 Battle Act restricts third-country transfer of strategic materials to China and U.S.S.R. [FR]
OCT 28 Dalai Lama ratifies pact. [NY]
OCT 29 India Ambassador Panikkar says China implements Nationalist policy in Tibet. Further property seizures linked to supposed declaration of equality for women by military occupiers. [NY]
NOV 8 PLA planes to Lhasa. Reportedly General Chang gives money to monasteries. More PLA troops on India and Nepal borders. [NY]
NOV 10 National Parliament (Tsongdu) to discuss pact. Gen. Chang to leave. [NY]
NOV 13 PLA troops enter Gyantse, where India has troops which will withdraw if asked. [NY]
NOV 18 Tsongdu ratifies pact with China. Gen. Chang Kuo-hua (?) to replace Chang. [NY]
NOV 20 Dalai Lama prepares to welcome Panchen Lama. PLA troops cause inflation of prices in Gyantse. [NY]
NOV 21 Mao hails pact in message to Dalai Lama. [NY]
NOV 24 More PLA troops arrive in Tibet and more planned. [NY]
DEC 4 PLA troops near Bhutan border. Chinese collaborator and ex-president of Tibetan 'provisional government' is in Tibet as an aide to Panchen Lama. [NY]
DEC 5 PLA enters Yatung. Military opens a Marxist cultural dept. [NY]
DEC 15 Panchen Lama leaves for Lhasa. Lama in Nepal lauds Chinese treatment of Tibetans. [NY]
1952/
1952 Truman approves CIA plan for 10,000 Chinese Nationalist troops in Burma to invade China. Early this year they do so and are crushed. [TP, 92]
JAN Truman privately considers and rejects an ultimatum to China and U.S.S.R. over Korea, threatening nuclear devastation in Asia. [RP, 59]
JAN 11 PLA airlift to Lhasa fails, troops loot villages in Shigatse area. [NY]
FEB 1 Khampa tribes refuse to disarm. China builds up Chamdo as administrative center, leaving Lhasa as religious center. [NY]
FEB 13 Top secret memo of State Dept. meeting with Taktser Rinpoche in Washington: Tibet trying to temporarily adjust to Chinese and hopes U.S. will keep silent publicly while still supporting Tibet. U.S. expresses sympathy for Tibetan loss of traditional religious and political freedom and pledges continued friendship with Tibet, while agreeing not to make statements. [FR]
FEB 15 Panchen Lama en route to Shigatse. [NY]
FEB 20 Tibetan army merged into PLA forces under supposed direction of two Cabinet ministers. Dalai Lama's mother and brother leave for India. [NY]
FEB 21 Top secret cable from U.S. Ambassador to India to President Truman: India needs food assistance and economic aid to forestall a Communist victory as in China. [FR]
MAR 15 PLA strengthens Phari garrison at India-Tibet border. [NY]
MAR 17 India press says PLA has seized food supply in Tibet. [NY]
MAR 21 China may ask India to remove trade route troops. [NY]
MAR 30 Chinese troops mass strength at western Tibetan border with India. [NY]
APR 2 China asks U.S.S.R. technicians for aid in exploiting Tibet. [NY]
APR 24 Tibetan Government asks PLA troops to leave Lhasa as dissent grows over famine caused by China. Tibetans ask for arms to fight Chinese. [NY]
APR 25 PLA pulls back from Yatung after delivering two Indian radio operators across border. [NY]
APR 26 PLA tightens security as unrest grows. [NY]
APR 27 Fearing Chinese reprisals, Dalai Lama reluctantly asks Lukhangwa and Lobsang Tashi to resign, taking on their responsibilities himself. [MG, 190]
APR 28 Panchen Lama arrives in Lhasa for the first time from Peking. [AC, 76]
MAY 1 Chinese pressure the Dalai Lama to disband the Mimang Tshogpa, or People's Party. [MG, 200]
MAY 3 Chinese censor mail in Tibet. China asks India for supplies. [NY]
MAY 4 Lhasa PLA garrison suffers armed attack by Tibetans. [NY]
MAY 5 PLA search and seizure of Lhasa arms. [NY]
MAY 6 PLA troops patrol Lhasa streets. Chinese deserter captured in Yatung. [NY]
MAY 7 India denies knowledge of Lhasa fighting. [NY]
MAY 9 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama meet in Lhasa. [NY]
MAY 14 Top secret State Dept. memo evaluates Taktser Rinpoche's information: Dalai Lama is organizing resistance to Chinese occupation while appearing to please China; Lhasans have renounced support for puppet Cabinet and sworn opposition to Chinese; and, Panchen Lama secretly opposes China as well. State Dept. believes 10-15,000 Chinese troops in Tibet, 5,000 at or near Lhasa. Chinese have caused an acute food shortage with massive army presence. Incipient Tibetan resistance movement is growing and desired effect is being felt by India. State Dept. affirms policy of no publicity about events concerning Tibet. [FR]
MAY 16 China removes Tibetan Cabinet, sets up administrative committee with Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. Seized estates restored to Panchen Lama. [NY]
MAY 22 Dalai Lama, under Chinese pressure, fires Prime Minister Sawang Lukhang after anti-Chinese demonstrations. [NY]
JUN 4 Nepali representative asked to leave Shigatse residence for use by Panchen Lama. [NY]
JUN 5 Nehru confirms Lhasa fighting. Gen. Chang Ching-wu calls Lhasa meeting to pacify Tibetan dissent. [NY]
JUN 10 Nepal representative talks with Dalai Lama. [NY]
JUN 12 Mrs. Pandit reported to have told Chou in Peking that India recognizes Chinese 'suzereignty' over Tibet. [1952-54 FR, XIV, 63]
JUN 13 Chinese heavily repress Lhasa demonstrators. [NY]
JUN 22 Nehru says Tibet no longer independent. India will remove Indian troops from Yatung and Gyantse if asked. [NY]
JUN 24 Panchen Lama returns to Shigatse. [NY]
JUL 1 Dalai Lama tells U.S. that Tibetans are not pro-Chinese, food situation in Lhasa is very bad, and 90% of the 10,000 Chinese troops in Lhasa are poorly fed. [1952-54, FR, XIV, 96]
JUL 10 PLA garrisons Yatung to secure trade route. [NY]
AUG 6 U.S. embassy in New Delhi instructed to warn Gyalo Thondup and his wife from linking themselves or Tibet with the United States. [1952-54 FR, XIV, 96]
AUG 8 Tibetan Government to send goodwill mission to Peking. [NY]
AUG 12 Kungo Rampa named first permanent representative from Tibet in Peking. Children of Tibetan officials to tour China. [NY]
AUG 20 U.S. embassy in New Delhi recommends against using Gyalo Thondup for information from Calcutta or Darjeeling for fear of arousing suspicion. [1952-54 FR, XIV, 96]
AUG 22 Tibetans waiting for opportune moment to strike occupation forces. Economy worsens under communism. Monks and nobility lead opposition to Chinese military rule. [NY]
AUG 23 PLA troops entrenched on trade route near India, survey area. [NY]
AUG 24 Tibetans in Sikkim say communism not wanted in Tibet. Sikkim's influence described. [NY]
AUG 26 China plans occupation army of 200,000 troops. Tibetans form secret 'peoples committees' in defiance of China and with support of Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama rejects puppet chairmanship of proposed political and military committee on their advice. Tibetan officials cooperating but ready to rebel. Tibetan troops attack PLA troops in several battles and are segregated. [NY]
AUG 31 Indian reaction to Chinese rule in Tibet. [NY]
SEP 3 J.J. Singh on why U.N. dropped case against Chinese invasion. [NY]
SEP 6 U.S. consul in Calcutta meets with Gyalo Thondup in Darjeeling; food situation poor, but Dalai Lama has reduced taxes and two-thirds of grain reserves. [1952-54 FR, XIV, 96]
SEP 6 PLA ships guns from Lhasa to Yatung by night. [NY]
SEP 10 U.S. consulate in Calcutta says Chinese slowly consolidating control of Tibet, but Tibetans restive and Dalai Lama's influence is gaining. [1952-54 FR, XIV, 96]
SEP 14 Tibetan goodwill mission to China has its movements controlled en route. [NY]
OCT 7 China introduces wheeled military vehicles into Tibet. [NY]
OCT 24 Candidate Eisenhower says he will go to Korea if elected to work to end the war. [JS, 236]
NOV 2 Eisenhower elected President. [HE, 599]
NOV 4 Truman signs NSCID 6 creating National Security Agency to intercept communications world-wide. NSA later creates a separate section for Chinese intercepts, presumably recording the growing control of Tibet. [NW, 264]
NOV 10 Forty dead in battles between PLA and tribesmen. [NY]
NOV 11 China building Lhasa-Kangting road. [NY]
NOV 14 PLA troops enter Nepal from Taklakot. [NY]
NOV 23 India wary of Communist aggression but placates China for sake of 'Asian stability'. [NY]
NOV 26 Peking radio says Mao urges Tibetan population rise to 10 million indicating possible Chinese intention for massive population transfer into Tibet. Mao says Tibetan economy and culture need development and religion will be protected. [NY]
DEC 27 Peking to establish six-man staffed office for Dalai Lama. [NY]
1953/
JAN Eisenhower ends U.S. blockade of Taiwan Strait. [JS, 241]
JAN 7 Truman confirms U.S. has hydrogen bomb. [CQ1, 100]
JAN 10 2,000 camels sent to Tibet to expedite PLA troop movement. [NY]
JAN 23 Peking press denounces U.S. plans for atomic attack. [LL, 14]
FEB Eisenhower considers using atomic bomb in Korea. [JS, 241]
FEB 3 China building three military roads in Tibet. [NY]
FEB 10 U.S. reported stepping up arms supplies to Chiang regime. [CQ1, 100]
MAR 5 Stalin dies. [HE, 541]
APR 2 NSC 147 reviews possible use of nuclear weapons against Korea and China. [LL, 255]
MAY 29 New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay become the first climbers to reach the peak of Mount Everest, Chomolungma. []
JUNE U.S. Air Force orders construction of B-52s, capable of delivering H-bombs on U.S.S.R. and China. [RP, 63]
JULY U.S. and India dispute over Indian sales of thorium nitrate to China, despite secret sales of monzanite to U.S. [FR]
JUL 27 Korean war ends with near 3 million casualties in total and the whole peninsula in ruins. U.S. uses 386,000 tons of bombs and 32,000 tons of napalm, costs run to $83 billion by 1956. [JS, 253]
AUG 20 U.S.S.R. announces it has tested hydrogen bomb. [CQ]
SEP 3 U.S. decides not to terminate aid to India over thorium issue but begins buying Indian thorium nitrate and beryl in large quantity. [FR]
SEP 24 China enlarges garrisons in southern and western Tibet. India asks for conference on Indians in Tibet. Nehru says relations with China are friendly. [NY]
OCT 22 China agrees to confer with India in December in Peking on various issues. [NY]
OCT 27 India recalls Ambassador Raghavan for pre-conference talks. [NY]
OCT 30 NSC 162/2 establishes U.S. foreign policy on nuclear weapons' striking power against China and urges arming Taiwan. [LL, 17]
NOV 6 NSC 166/1 establishes U.S. China policy on covert and overt weakening of Sino-Soviet alliance. Taiwan Nationalist forces are U.S. strategic reserve in Far East. All-out nuclear attack on China would deplete U.S. atomic stockpile considerably. [LL, 18]
NOV 6 NSC 146/2 establishes U.S. Taiwan policy on raids against mainland China and sea traffic through Taiwan Strait. [LL, 24]
NOV 17 Nehru says conference set. [NY]
NOV 26 China withdraws troops from Tibet due to food shortage. [NY]
DEC 2 Dalai Lama refuses to fly Communist Chinese flag over Potala and demands occupation forces withdraw. Anti-Communist People's party appears publicly. Up to a third of PLA troops to leave due to food shortage. [NY]
DEC 20 China further partitions Tibet, as a five-county 'autonomous region' is annexed by Qinghai province. [NY]
DEC 26 Nixon confers with Chiang on military preparations against mainland China. [NY]
1954/
1954 Dalai Lama publishes A Meditation on Compassion in Tibetan in Lhasa. [D2, 156]
JAN 1 Peking radio describes Sino-Indian talks. [NY]
JAN 12 Sec. of State Dulles announces U.S. policy of massive retaliation, i.e. nuclear attack on U.S.S.R. or China, including local tactical strikes. [CQ1, 101]
MAR PLA reports killing 90,000 rebels in Sinkiang. [FW, 172]
APR 11 Peking gives Panchen Lama a British automobile. [NY]
APR 22 Nehru calls for halt to all atomic testing. [HE, 597]
APR 29 Full text of India-China agreement on trade between Tibet and India. [DW, 393]
APR 30 India signs eight-year non-aggression pact with China and says Tibet is part of China. India returns all property in Tibet to China and withdraws troops from Yatung and Gyantse. Agreement regulates trade and pilgrim border crossing issues. [NY]
MAY 1 India surrenders post and telegraph facilities to China as 'friendly gesture'. [NY]
MAY 4 Nehru describes pact with China. [NY]
MAY 17 Indian Parliament debates Tibet issue and voices disagreement with Nehru on ancient Tibetan autonomy. [NY]
MAY 26 Asia's largest airfield near completion under at Jyekundo near Tibet-China border. PLA conducts building program in Lhasa. [NY]
JUN 6 Sino-Indian pact ratified. Tibet to be known by India as "Tibet region of China." India sends officials to Tibet to close offices. [NY]
JUN 27 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama to visit Peking. Nehru and Chou En-lai praise pact as model for international relations. [NY]
JUN 28 Text of pact in NYT. Chou praises Nehru concept of 'peaceful coexistence'. [NY]
JUN 29 Joint statement on conference at New Delhi. [NY]
JUL 11 Dalai Lama departs Lhasa for Peking to attend the first Chinese People's National Assembly. [JA, 209]
JUL 13 Tibetan leaders oppose Dalai Lama visit to Peking. [NY]
JUL 23 China downs a British aircraft over the South China Sea. [CQ1, 103]
JUL 26 U.S. downs two Chinese aircraft in the same area. [CQ1, 103]
AUG 11 U.S.S.R. charges Himalayan climbers with spying. [NY]
AUG 11 Chou urges 'liberation' of Taiwan. [CQ1, 104]
AUG 17 Eisenhower says U.S. 7th fleet will bar Chinese attacks on Taiwan. [CQ1, 104]
AUG 18 NSC 5429 discussion of U.S. Far East policy: Sec. of State Dulles says if U.S. policy in 1953 had been to use force to prevent further Communist control in Asia, then the U.S. would have been obliged to go to war to prevent the Chinese takeover of Tibet. [1952-54 FR, XII, 749]
AUG 20 Kanting Rebellion breaks out in southern Kham. [MP, 57]
AUG 24 Taiwan says 40,000 in Tibetan uprising against PLA troops some months earlier. [NY]
SEP 3 China begins shelling Nationalist-held Quemoy island and Nationalists return fire. [CQ1, 104]
SEP 4 U.S. intelligence reports China unlikely to go to war with the U.S. over attacks. [LL, 30]
SEP 4 Dulles orders 7th fleet into Taiwan strait. [CQ1, 104]
SEP 5 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama in Peking. [NY]
SEP 7 Nationalists begin large-scale air attacks on Chinese mainland. [CQ1, 104]
SEP 8 SEATO formed as a mutual defense treaty among U.S., Australia, Britain, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. [CQ1, 104]
SEP 12 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are received by Mao. [NY]
SEP 19 Tibetan armed revolt against occupation troops. [NY]
SEP 21 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama meeting with Chou and Gen. Chu Teh featured. [NY]
SEP 22 Senthi and Khampa leaders captured and tried in Lhasa. [NY]
SEP 29 Khrushchev begins first trip to China, through October 12th. [LL,26]
OCT 8 3,000 Tibetans in Kalimpong, India, ask Nehru aid in return of Dalai Lama from Peking. [NY]
OCT 10 India to guard Kashmir-India border. [NY]
OCT 20 Nehru meets Dalai Lama in Peking. [NY]
OCT 21 Tibetan revolt in northeast Tibet successful. China forced to withdraw and grant autonomy. [NY]
NOV Eisenhower approves plan for aerial surveillance plane capable of flying over U.S.S.R. and China. [GY, 18]
NOV China reports that 20,000 Tibetans are working on the Sikang-Tibet highway. [MG, 204]
NOV 1 China begins bombing Dachen islands. [LL, 31]
DEC 2 U.S.-Taiwan mutual defense treaty signed at Washington. [CQ1, 104]
DEC 10 Nationalists formally agree not to attack mainland China without consulting the U.S. [CQ1, 104]
DEC 22 U.S. policy towards the Far East contained in NSC document 5429/5, includes U.S. destabilization of Sino-Soviet alliance. [FR]
DEC 26 Panchen Lama made vice chair of Chinese Political Consultative Conference at Peking. [NY]
1955/
1955 Nuclear blast reported in Sinkiang. [1961 CR, 21061]
JAN 13 U.N. Sec. General Hammarskjold returns from trip to Peking for talks with Chou. [CQ1, 105]
JAN 15 Mao, Chou preside over Central Secretariat meeting where China decides to develop nuclear weapons under program "02", with Soviet aid. [LL, 38]
JAN 17 U.S.S.R. to assist China with peaceful development of atomic energy. [LL, 41]
JAN 20 U.S.S.R.-China accord on uranium surveys and supply. [LL, 41]
JAN 24 Chou condemns U.S. threats to use atomic weapons in support of Nationalist 'occupation' of Taiwan. [CQ1, 105]
JAN 29 Taiwan Resolution becomes law, authorizing U.S. President to use force to protect Taiwan. [LL, 37]
JAN 31 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Douglas fears it is too late to save Tibet from Communists. [NY]
FEB 10 PLA troop movements in southeast China. [NY]
FEB 21 Sulzberger features Chinese propaganda display using the Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama. [NY]
FEB 22 Three Czech engineers in Lhasa to aid Chinese development. [NY]
FEB 25 Mao and other leaders at Tibetan New Year celebration in Peking. [NY]
MAR NSC 5412/1 establishes committee for Presidential approval of major CIA covert operations, including those against Communist nations. [TP, 371]
MAR 3 U.S.-Taiwan mutual defense treaty enters into force. [LL, 32]
MAR 8 Sec. of State Dulles announces to China that U.S. has new "precision" air and naval weapons, i.e. tactical atomic weapons. [CQ0, 73]
MAR 10 Dulles tells Eisenhower that U.S. could use atomic weapons to attack mainland China in defense of Quemoy and Matsu. [RP, 63]
MAR 11 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama return to Tibet. [NY]
MAR 13 Dalai Lama named chair of 51-member preparatory committee to absorb Tibet as 'autonomous region' of China. Panchen Lama is first vice chair. Gen. Chang Kuo-hua named second vice chair. [NY]
MAR 14 41 Chinese 'construction experts' on way to Tibet. [NY]
MAR 16 Eisenhower public statement says U.S. could use atomic weapons in Asia without causing major civilian deaths. [LL, 40]
APR 2 India gives control over communications facilities in Tibet to China in accord with 1954 pact. [NY]
APR 23 Chou says China ready to negotiate with U.S. over Taiwan crisis. [CQ1, 106]
APR 27 U.S.S.R. agrees to give China a nuclear reactor and cyclotron. [LL, 41]
JUN 15 U.S. Taiwan policy set forth in NSC 5503, where U.S. confirms recognition of Taiwan as the only government of China. [FR]
JUN 29 Dalai Lama returns to Lhasa from China. [JA, 42]
JUL Former Chinese "province" of Sikang formally abolished. [FW, 60]
JUL Harrer article in National Geographic, with first color photographs of Lhasa to appear in U.S. press. [NG, CVIII, 1, 1-48]
JUL Eisenhower makes "open skies" proposal at Geneva summit conference, rejected by U.S.S.R. [GY, 26]
AUG 1 U.S. and China begin ambassadorial-level talks in Poland. [CQ1, 107]
AUG 6 First U-2 spy plane operational, capable of flying at 70,000 feet over the U.S.S.R. and China. [TP, 108]
AUG 16 Dalai Lama's brother Taktser Rinpoche granted U.S. asylum, interviewed in Tokyo. [NY]
AUG 29 2,000 PLA troops reinforce Yatung at Indian border. [NY]
SEP China establishes Sinkiang-Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) north of Tibet against large popular resistance. [FW, 172]
OCT China reports that more than 3,000 Tibetans have completed the Shigatse-Gyantse highway in 102 days. [MG, 204]
NOV NSC 5412/2 further defines 5412 committee on covert actions, including any operations against China. [TP, 371]
NOV 7 Times of India says Chinese troops crossed into disputed border areas. [NY]
DEC 14 Cambodia, Laos, Nepal and Sri Lanka join U.N. [UN]
DEC 24 Kashmir aide K. Bakula to make India-sponsored tour of Tibet. [NY]
DEC 31 By year-end, uranium deposits discovered in Xinjiang at Daladi, Mengqiku'er, and Kashi by Chinese teams. [LL, 78]
1956/
JAN 11 Life magazine article says U.S. threats to use tactical atomic attacks on China helped end Korean War and saved Formosa (Taiwan). [CQ1, 108]
FEB Chinese arrest three Mimang (People's Party) leaders after Monlam festival. People of Lithang launch surprise attack on local Chinese garrison and retreat to Lithang Monastery. Chinese siege lasts 64 days and includes air bombardment killing 800 monks. [MG, 255, 261]
FEB 15 Tibetan bands reportedly raid Nepal's northwest border. Nepal to seek treaty with Communist China. [NY]
APR Chinese Foreign Minister Marshal Chen Yi and delegation arrive in Lhasa from Peking for inauguration of PCART. [D3, 106]
APR 15 Chinese preparatory committee for autonomous region of Tibet (PCART) near formal proclamation. [NY]
APR 22 Chinese puppet-government (PCART) opens in Lhasa. [JA, 43]
APR 23 Peking says PCART takes office in Lhasa and exercises local control. Dalai Lama optimistic of committee success to adopt regulations and appoint officials. Peking to increase economic aid. [NY]
APR 28 Dalai Lama and Cabinet to meet Chinese in Lhasa to discuss Chou's pledge to withdraw PLA troops and press discussion of easing of occupation. [NY]
MAY 5 Nepali reports say thousands revolt in Kham region of Eastern Tibet. [NY]
MAY 6 Chinese in Lhasa arrest Tibetan representatives from all over Tibet who met to demand that Chinese leave. Public gatherings banned after anti-Chinese posters up in Lhasa. Tibetans destroy PLA garrison of 600 troops but Chinese in Nepal deny it. [NY]
MAY 8 Nepal says revolt by Golok tribes suffering repression under Chinese. Peking has no comment. [NY]
MAY 10 Kalimpong, India, reports say rebels caused 2500 PLA casualties in Eastern Tibet and PLA bombed rebel bases. [NY]
MAY 13 Rebels form five-man council with Dalai Lama as head of Free Tibet. [NY]
MAY 18 China bombing Eastern Tibet and moving in more troops. Indian press discounts reports of uprisings and massacres. [NY]
MAY 20 Dalai Lama asks people not to rebel. China patrols Eastern Tibet airspace. [NY]
MAY 22 Vice Premier Chen Yi, Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama at April 17th inauguration of PCART. [NY]
JUN 1 China bombs huge Lithang monastery while filled with pilgrims and monks. [D2, 156]
JUN 21 Dalai Lama's brother and others protest to Nehru that no Asian country has condemned savage bombing of Lithang monastery where 4,000 Tibetans died. [NY]
JUN 30 India press now says heavy PLA losses in rebellions in Eastern Tibet, China asks Dalai Lama to intervene. [NY]
JUL PCART sends Karmapa Rinpoche and Ngabo to Chamdo to urge rebels to end uprising, with no success. [MG, 257]
JUL U.S. U-2's begin overflying the U.S.S.R. and U.S. learns U.S.S.R. has no massive long-range bomber program. [RP, 67]
JUL 1 Embassies in New Delhi hesitate to act on Kalimpong reports of rebellion. [NY]
JUL 18 Kalimpong reports say PLA tanks in Lhasa. China asks monks to quell uprisings but are refused. [NY]
AUG 1 Rebels kill Communist delegation as talks fail. [NY]
AUG 8 Peking radio denies rebellion. Liu Ke-ping later concedes uprising in Kantse area. China permits Ragasha Shape to visit India to assuage Indian fears on Tibet security. [NY]
AUG 15 Chinese in Nepal to make new treaty on Tibet. [NY]
AUG 17 U.S.S.R. agrees to assist China's nuclear industries. [LL, 41]
AUG 18 China and Nepal begin talks on trade and friendship treaty. [NY]
AUG 21 China asks India to make Bara Hoti a neutral territory on border, but Nehru says it is in Indian territory. [NY]
AUG 22 China downs U.S. military aircraft off Chinese coast. [CQ1, 110]
SEP 6 Nepalese traders assert China has returned Kham to local control after 'monks revolt', say China undertaking intensive propaganda campaign. [NY]
SEP 8 Chinese intrusion into India at Shipki La. [FW, 90]
SEP 11 Nepalese premier Acharya suggests postponement of China visit due to delay in talks on Tibet. [NY]
SEP 13 China-Nepal talks main aim is Nepali recognition of Chinese sovereignty in Tibet. [NY]
SEP 20 General Chang Kuo-hua tries to deflect reports of Chinese atrocities by delaying 'reforms'. [MG, 257]
SEP 21 Chang Kuo-hua claims China now adopting go-slow approach to 'reforms' in Tibet. Nepal signs pact with China recognizing Tibet as Chinese territory, abrogating Treaty of 1856. [NY]
SEP 25 Major Nepali concessions to Communists in pact. [NY]
OCT 1 Nehru wires Peking to persuade China to 'allow' Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama to attend 2,500th anniversary of Buddha's birth in India. [JA, 45]
OCT 23 International Atomic Energy Agency established by the United Nations. [HE, 647]
NOV 1 China 'permits' Dalai Lama to accept invitation to go to India. [JA, 45]
NOV 6 Eisenhower re-elected, having opposed an international ban on H-bomb testing during the campaign. [HE, 600]
NOV 12 Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama visit India. [NY]
NOV 14 First U.N. peacekeeping troops ever arrive at Suez to supervise troop withdrawals. [HE, 648]
NOV 16 More fighting with PLA. [NY]
NOV 27 Roles of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama in present Government and relations with China described. [NY]
NOV 28 Chinese colonization by massive population transfer, an estimated 5 million Chinese to be sent to Tibet by 1962. [NY]
DEC Gompo Tashi (see his: Four Rivers, Six Ranges) begins organizing Tibetan rebel movement. [MG, 261]
DEC 16 Nehru arrives in U.S. for talks with Eisenhower. [CQ, 261]
DEC 18 Japan joins U.N. [UN]
DEC 19 U.S.S.R. agrees to independent Chinese uranium surveys. [LL, 41]
DEC 20 Nepal press says Tibet monks say PLA bombing of Tibetan village causes 83 casualties. [NY]
1957/
1957 U-2 bases in West Germany, Japan, Turkey, Norway and Pakistan allow U.S. to overfly the U.S.S.R., China and Tibet. [GY, 26-27, 30, 142]
JAN 13 Tibetan relations with China described. [NY]
JAN 20 Chou says U.S. urged Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama not to return to Tibet, says Tibet uprisings would be treated the same as Hungarian unrest by Peking. [NY]
FEB China selects Lanchow site bordering Tibet for uranium enrichment plant. [LL, 115]
FEB 6 China sent 50,000 settlers to Tibet for 'reclamation of wastelands'. [NY]
FEB 27 Mao declares Tibetan democratic 'reforms' will be postponed for at least five years. [MG, 258]
APR CIA smuggling Tibetan guerrillas to Guam via India and Thailand for training and air-drop back into Tibet with light arms. PLA counter-attacking with over 150,000 soldiers. [JA, 47]
APR 1 Dalai Lama returns to Lhasa from India. [JA, 47]
MAY 2 Taiwan says Dalai Lama under house arrest near Lhasa. [NY]
MAY 7 U.S. to station first atomic weapons in Far East, to place Matador missiles on Taiwan. [NY]
JUN 18 Peking radio announces tentative plan to withdraw unspecified number of 'cadres' from Tibet