Liu Manqing petitioned to travel to Tibet and embarked on her expedition by order of the government. Chiang Kai-shek approved her secret trip to Tibet as a first-class clerk on behalf of the National Government.Her purpose was to introduce and describe the current situation of the inland to the 13th Dalai Lama and win his support for the Central Government.

Source: The Dossier of Tibetan Affairs Kept in the Second Historical Archives of China, 2010

Illustration: On June 22, 1929, Gu Yingfen, Head of Civil Service in the National Government, made preparations for Liu Manqing’s visit to Tibet, issuing official letters to religious representatives, local officials, and the 13th Dalai Lama.

Purpose: “This letter grants permission for Clerk Liu Manqing to return to Tibet,to introduce and describe the status quo of the inland so as to strive for the 13th Dalai Lama’s wholehearted support for the Central Government.”

To: Gesu Hotogtu of Litang County, Tsarong (Kalon), Naga Hotogtu of Batang, Dalai Lama, Lungshar (commander of the Tibetan army), Chief Officer Moruo.