Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet
The 17- Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet (official agreement of the Central People's Government with the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet ) is one in Beijing on May 23, 1951 agreement signed between the People's Republic of China and Tibet. The signatories were representatives of the Central People's Government and the Tibetan government. On 24 October 1951, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatsho telegraphed, following a decision of the Tibetan National Assembly in Lhasa its consent to Mao Zedong and the government in Beijing.
Content of the agreement is the assurance of internal political autonomy and religious freedom in Tibet on the part of the People's Republic of China, at the same time the foreign affairs of Tibet should be perceived by the PRC.
According to Article 52 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 23 May 1969, which includes the People's Republic of China is a party, are contracts that were signed with the threat or use of force, be void. The Convention applies only to treaties concluded by States after their accession. The applicability of the Convention to the 17- point agreement is thus in accordance with the legal principle of pacta tertiis nec nocent nec prosunt ( "Neither harm nor benefit them contracts to third parties " ) controversial. In what way is a violation of customary international law is questionable.
View of the Tibetan government in exile
From the perspective of the Tibetan government in exile, the agreement came under military pressure due to the occupation of the eastern Tibetan province Qamdo and under the threat of another military encroachment into existence by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The Dalai Lama, the then 16 -year-old Tenzin Gyatsho explained later in exile, he had agreed to the deal in order to " preserve from destruction " his people and the country.
Treaty text
Seventeen points
1 The Tibetan people shall unite and expel the imperialist aggressive forces from Tibet; the Tibetan people will return to the bosom of the big family of the People's Republic of China.
2 The local government of Tibet shall actively to achieve the People's Liberation Army to support Tibet and consolidate national defense.
3 According to the recognized in the joint program of the Chinese People's Consultative Political Committee nationality policy, the Tibetan people have the right to pursue a national territorial autonomy under the unified leadership of the Chinese People's Government.
4 the central authorities will not alter the existing political system in Tibet. The central authorities will not alter the current status, functions and powers of the Dalai Lama. The officials of various ranks remain as usual office.
5 The existing status, functions and powers of the Panchen Ngoerhtehni should be retained.
6 With the existing state of the offices and powers of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Ngoerhtehni the status, offices and powers of the 13th Dalai Lama and the 9th Panchen Ngoerhtehni are meant when they had friendly and trusting relationships with each other.
7 The policy of freedom of religious belief is determined according to the joint program of the Chinese People's Consultative Political Committee. The religious beliefs, customs and habits of the Tibetan people are respected and lama monasteries shall be protected. The central authorities will not affect the income of the monasteries.
8 Tibetan troops will be integrated step by step into the People's Liberation Army and be part of the armed forces of the PRC.
9 The spoken and written language and the education of the Tibetan nationality will be developed step by step in accordance with prevailing conditions in Tibet.
10 The Tibetan agriculture, livestock, industry and trade are developed step by step and the livelihood of the people will be improved in accordance with prevailing conditions in Tibet, step by step.
11 In relation to various reforms in Tibet, there will be no compulsion on the part of central authorities. The local government of Tibet, will carry out reforms of its own accord, and when the people demand reform, they are preceded by consultation with the management personnel of Tibet.
Formerly pro- Imperialistic and pro- Kuomintang [ KMT ] -minded officials decided to cancel connections to imperialism and the Kuomintang [ Guomindang ] 12 In that regard, and do not engage in sabotage or resistance to China, they can, regardless of their past, continue their ministry continue.
13 The shifted to Tibet troops of the People's Liberation Army will comply with all agreements mentioned above and be fair in all of their purchases and sales, and is not arbitrary nor to the needle and thread from the population.
14 The Chinese People's Government will primarily perform all the tasks of foreign policy for the territory of Tibet and do so in peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries. With the neighboring countries, to set up and develop fair business and trade relations on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect of sovereignty and borders.
15 To ensure the implementation of this Agreement, will host the Chinese People's Government
- A military and administrative committee and
- A Military District headquarters in Tibet and
Regardless of the, the Chinese People's government seconded staff - will be involved as much as possible locally -based Tibetan staff. This Tibetan staff that participates in the Military and Administrative Committee may, locals come from the local government of Tibet, different counties and major monasteries; the list of names will be confirmed after consultation between the representatives of the Chinese People's Government and the various pages and the Chinese People's Government, submitted for appointment of the selected.
16 costs, the cause of the Military and Administrative Committee, the Military District headquarters and relocated to Tibet troops of the People's Liberation Army will be taken over by the Chinese People's Government. The local government of Tibet should assist the People's Liberation Army in the acquisition and transportation of food, fodder and other daily needs.
17 This Agreement shall enter into force immediately after it is provided with the signature and seal.
Signature and Seal of the delegates of the Chinese People's Government: Delegation leader: Li Wei -han ( head of the commission of the Interior); Delegates: Chang Ching- wu, Chang Kuo -hua, Sun Chih -yuan
Delegates from the local government of Tibet: Delegation leader: Ngawang Jigme Kaloon Ngabou ( Ngabo Shape) Delegates: Dzasak Khemey Sonam Wangdi, Khentrung Thuptan, Tenthar, Khenchung Thuptan Lekmuun Rimshi, Samposey Tenzin Thondup