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WAYNE TEASDALE
W.T.: I don't think it should be focused on one person-it has to be a movement.
L.M.: It's not just your fast.
W.T.: No, no, it should be a group of people. And it should continue until Tibet is free.
L.M.: You're saying that if the church were to speak out now to embrace the cause of the Tibetans—and of the seriously damaged Buddhist culture in Tibet, it would make a difference. Though it still exists; it hangs on in Tibet. Then as a result, Beijing would have to be more forthcoming-if they saw that sign of strength and conviction on Tibet from Christians in the West.
W.T.: I have absolutely no doubt about that. If the Christians in the West---if the Pope would begin to speak out strongly, consistently, and persistently—it would advance support for Tibetans around the world. And a coalition, a nonviolent coalition, would form. China would be confronted with the entire world arrayed against it. Eventually, out of practical necessity they would have to begin to negotiate with the Tibetans. I think that autonomy for that tradition the culture—would be sufficient.
L.M.: We're talking about the whole of the real, historical Tibet, not just the Tibetan Autonomous Republic, which is much smaller.
W.T.: And let China have control over external affairs and the military.
L.M.: Tibet's people and culture have never sought that in any case.
W.T.: No, it doesn't need it. His Holiness' relation with other governments would have to be controlled by the Tibetans. That whole equation would work for the Chinese; they wouldn't have that drag on them. The Tibet issue is not going to go away. And if the Pope would have a little courage, then everything would come together for the Catholic Church. Its standing in the world would greatly increase. People would look to it more.
L.M.: You make the point in your poem. How did you put it, about our frail Pope?
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