On 01 October 1949 when the PRC came into being, Tibet was an independent nation and had plainly rebutted the offer of the Chinese Communists to be liberated. It also asserted plainly that it was a self-governing political entity and had no intention, whatsoever, to be "Liberated." It had no inhibitions about Chinese intentions and understood what the Chinese meant by "liberation." Tibet, an unarmed theocratic nation was caught up in a dire situation with no solution in sight. Under desperation, it sought help from nations, that it mistakenly thought to be well disposed towards it. They had treated it as an independent nation in the past, albeit for self-aggrandizement. Then onwards Tibet was on a betrayal trail. Unfortunately, all the nations that had at one time in the past taken advantage of Tibet, failed to come forward to help. Instead, they unethically and blatantly put up a pretense as if they had nothing to do with Tibet. Amazingly, the weirdest reaction was from India that not only had diplomatic relation with it but also had a strategic stake in its continued existence as an independent nation. The UK that had signed an international treaty with it in 1914 and economically exploited it for decades explained its indifference by deviously passing on its liabilities arising out of the terms of the treaty to India. The US that emerged as a superpower after the Second World War and proclaimed itself to be champion of freedom, liberty, nonaggression, human rights etcetera and masterminded the formation of UN to ensure world peace and mutual-coexistence of nations, turned Nelson's eye when the question of Tibet came up. How the US lost a strategic advantage of setting up a military base in Tibet, both to contain the spread of Communism and the possibility of averting the Korean war, makes an overwhelming account. What is Tibet's future? As long as Tibetan spirit and nationalism survives there is no reason to give up its resurrection.
About the Author: Brigadier, Professor Jasbir Singh holds two masters degrees, in Defence Studies and Business Administration. He was commissioned in the Indian Army after completing training in National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. During his 34 years of service, he held a number of key appointments in the different streams of command, staff, and faculty. He had the unique privilege of serving as a senior faculty in Indian War College, Defence Services Staff College, and School of Artillery. A is also graduate of renowned Frunze Military Academy, Moscow. During Brezhnev era he was in Moscow from 1968-1972 on a special mission and 1979-1982 as a diplomat in Indian Embassy. After retirement, he served as a Managing Director of a joint sector company and thereafter Director Principal of Management. He writes on military science and national strategy. strategy