Tibet Passport of Tsepon Shakabpa

The article details the rediscovery of Tsepon Shakabpa's Tibetan passport, issued in 1947. This passport, which was lost for years, symbolizes Tibet's de facto independence and was eventually recovered from a Nepalese antique dealer. It features stamps from numerous countries, excluding China. The Dalai Lama now holds this historically significant document, underscoring Tibet's international relations before Chinese occupation.

Many centuries ago in Lhasa, atop the world’s roof, the first Tibetan passport was made. Acknowledged by numerous countries, this passport symbolized a strong endorsement of Tibet’s de facto independence. According to the world, it held immense historical importance, but mysteriously vanished from Kalimpong.   Tibet Passport Tsepon Shakabpa

Despite extensive searches, the Tibetan Government’s passport used by Tsepon Shakabpa, Tibet’s Secretary of Finance (1930-1950), was found and retrieved from a Nepalese antique dealer.

The Dalai Lama securely holds the passport, receiving it from the Friends of Tibet (India), the driving force in recovering this historically significant document for the Tibetan people.

“We are greatly pleased to have reclaimed this passport, which holds immense historical value for us. This passport serves as tangible evidence of Tibet’s independence, acknowledged by the countries visited by its bearer,” stated Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

Tsepon Shakabpa, a prolific author known for works such as “Tibet: A Political History,” served as the official representative of the Dalai Lama in New Delhi until 1966. Following his passing in Kalimpong in 1989, the passport went missing.

Rediscovery Tibet Passport Tsepon Shakabpa

The recovery of the passport is the result of an initiative by Friends of Tibet (India), who have spent the past year collecting historically significant artifacts from independent Tibet. These items will be showcased in an exhibition titled “Story of a Nation: Independent, Occupied, and Exiled Tibet.”

“With the assistance of one of our advisors and supporters, Geshe Pema Dorje, we came across the passport in the possession of an antique dealer in Nepal. Recognizing the document’s profound significance, we sought to acquire it. The owner agreed to sell it at a reduced price on the condition that it would be handed over to the Dalai Lama.

After a lengthy series of negotiations and trust-building efforts, the owner ultimately consented to sell the document, along with other associated papers. The document then made a momentous voyage to Dharamshala, where officials officially presented it to the Dalai Lama, effectively ending years of distress. This account was provided by Tenzin Tsundue, the general secretary of the Friends of Tibet.

The Passport Tibet Passport Tsepon Shakabpa

The passport is a substantial document, made from traditional Tibetan handcrafted paper, and displays a weathered, aged appearance. It features numerous stamps from various countries that granted visas and transit permits to Shakabpa. This passport was issued by the Kashag in Lhasa on October 10, 1947. Notably, it bears recognition stamps from various countries, including India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, and France.

Passport Details

“The bearer of this letter – TSEPON SHAKABPA – Chief of the Finance Department of the Government of Tibet is hereby sent to China, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and other countries to explore and review trade possibilities between these countries and Tibet. We shall, therefore, be grateful if all the Governments concerned on his route would kindly give due recognition as such, grant necessary passport, visa etc. without any hindrance and render assistance in all possible ways to him.”

Seal of the KASHAG (Cabinet of Tibet), Lhasa. Dated this 26th day of the 8th month of FIRE-PIG year (Tibetan) – 10 October 1947 in the Gregorian calendar). Tibet Passport Tsepon Shakabpa

Visas Tibet Passport Tsepon Shakabpa

The passport showcases stamps from India, the US, the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Pakistan, Iraq, and Hong Kong. Strikingly absent among these stamps is any indication of a visit to China. Notably, some of the visa entries bear indications of official status, with designations such as “Diplomatic courtesy,” “Service visa,” “Official gratis,” “Diplomatic visa,” and “For government official.”

History

The Tibetan government, before World War II, issued its own passports to individuals entering its borders or the limited number of Tibetans venturing abroad. The term “passports” at that time encompassed visas and various travel documents. The historical records show the issuance of a Tibetan passport to a foreign traveler in 1688. This passport was given to an Armenian merchant named Johannes.

Notably, the Tibetan government granted official approval for the inaugural Everest expedition in 1921. Charles Bell, a British diplomat visiting Lhasa, documented the receipt of a formal passport from the Tibetan government, authorizing the ascent of Mount Everest. Subsequent Everest expeditions in 1922, 1924, and 1936 also secured passports from the Tibetan authorities. These passports extended beyond exploration, being issued for scientific endeavors such as the Schaeffer expedition (1939), Tucci’s expedition (1949), and Frank Kingdon Ward’s botanical exploration (1924).

In 1942, President Roosevelt’s envoys to Tibet were presented with passports at Yatung. During their 1949 visit, Americans Lowell Thomas Jr. and Sr. obtained “Tibetan Passports” in Dhomo. Reflecting on this experience, one of the travelers remarked on the significance of the Dalai Lama’s passport, suggesting its high value to Western explorers attempting to reach Lhasa.

The evolution of Tibetan passports took a modern turn in 1948. It featured personal information, a photograph, and sections for visas and endorsements. This progressive passport model was first issued to members of the Tibetan trade mission. It followed the international one-page fold-out model from 1915.

Notably, countries including Britain, the USA, and seven others issued visas and transit visas for this innovative Tibetan passport.

 

Tom Topol | Passport Historian & Author
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