Section 2 - The UK's Ethical Position Towards Tibet "I feel Britain is the only Western country that has historic links with Tibet, that knows our history. Morally the British must speak out about human rights, must show concern" -Dalai Lama April 1988 [see note one] The UK behaves unethically towards Tibet: By the export of arms to China [See Appendix On Arms] By allowing UK firms to invest in the theft of Tibetan resources By importing goods made by political prisoners in labour camps By seeming to ignore the rights of Tibetans to self-determination. The present situation: Tibetans continue to live under oppression and occupation. Although the number of political prisoners has gone down and overt protest has for the time being been reduced, the silence does not indicate improvement, merely the length of the oppression; like an animal tethered in a dark cellar that barks and howls at first and then just stands forlorn. 51 years is a long time. Recent 'developments' in Tibet could have irrevocable affects, specifically; The influx of the invaders' populace The coming of the railway The curtailment of education in the native language The encouragement of firms (including Western firms) to invest in the theft of natural resources The curtailment of the nomad way of life In a previous century such development signalled the end of the Native American culture. The UK government must act now.   next