(Original Text in Tibetan)

October 11, 1995

His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zemin
President
People's Republic of China
Beijing
CHINA

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned about reports that the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima from Lhari district in Nagchu, Tibet, whom I have recognized as the reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama, is not known publicly since some time. The institution of the Panchen Lama is of great importance to Tibetan Buddhism and to the people of Tibet. It is, therefore, extremely important that his monastery, Tashi Lhunpo, is able to take care of the proper religious training of the young Panchen Lama. This is of concern not only to me personally and to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery alone, but also to the people of Tibet. I appeal, therefore, to Your Excellency for your personal intervention in extending your Government's recognition to the young Panchen Lama. This will be greatly appreciated by Tibetans everywhere and would ensure the well-being of the young Panchen Lama and facilitate his proper religious upbringing according to our spiritual tradition.

I regret very much that the proclamation of the Panchen Lama's reincarnation has further strained our relationship. Your government has strongly criticized and objected my proclamation. I do not wish to raise here again the religious and historical basis for this decision. However, Your Excellency may not be fully aware of the efforts I have made in the past years to communicate with and seek the understanding and assistance of your Government in the search for the reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama. Unfortunately, there has been no response at all from the concerned officials of your government. On the contrary, to my great disappointment the concerned officials of your government repeatedly made categorical statements that no involvement on my part in the search of the Panchen Lama's reincarnation will be tolerated. On the other hand I had a responsibility to honor and uphold the unique historical relationship between the Dalai Lamas and the Panchen Lamas. For example, in my own case, I am personally greatly indebted to the 9th Panchen Lama, who took special interest and responsibility in the search of the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. Furthermore, Tibetans inside Tibet and from abroad have been urging me for early action on this issue since the matter has been pending for too long. These factors compelled me to proclaim the recognition of the reincarnation on the appropriate auspicious Kalachakra anniversary, on May 14, 1995. I have taken this decision on purely religious grounds in fulfillment of my traditional responsibility. I also took into consideration the need to ensure the religious credibility of the Panchen Lama in the long run in the eyes of the Tibetan people.

The recognition of the Panchen Lama's reincarnation is in no way intended to challenge Your Excellency's government. To the contrary, whenever possible I have always strived to contribute to an atmosphere conducive to reconciliation and dialogue in our relationship. I hold the firm belief that it is possible for us to find a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution on the Tibetan question. With this conviction, I have consistently endeavored to enter into negotiations with your government. Moreover, I still remain committed to negotiations anytime and anywhere on an agenda without the issue of the independence of Tibet- --keeping in mind the long-term and larger interests of both the Tibetan and the Chinese people.

It is my sincere hope that Your Excellency will consider this request in a spirit of reconciliation and openness.

Yours sincerely,

The Dalai Lama