London, September 14. VOA's Mark Hopkins reports from London: The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in '59 as Chinese troops occupied the region, has proposed greater cultural and political autonomy for Tibetan while agreeing with major international opinion that Tibet is part of China. Some supporters, said the Dalai Lama, want a firm policy of independence for Tibet - a proposal the Chinese government has repeatedly rejected. The Dalai Lama said he will not back violence to gain independence for his homeland. He suggested a referendum be held among as many Tibetans as possible to obtain the general opinion on what policy to pursue in talks with the Chinese. The Dalai Lama said he would change his own position according to results of a referendum. (EuroTibet News N·2)