Published by World Tibet Network News - Thursday, November 23 , 1995

Time Out - London's Weekly Guide - November 22-29, 1995

In a previous issue (Time Out for July 26 to August 2 1995), we published an article entitled: 'Top Tibetans accused of misusing funds'. We regret that this article gave an entirely misleading impression.

The Office of Tibet is the official agency in the United Kingdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. In order to establish a more permanent base from which to carry out The Office's aims from within the United Kingdom, the Tibet House appeal was launched to purchase suitable premises for Tibet House.

We accept that, contrary to the impression our earlier article may have given, there is no justification for any suggestion that funds raised for Tibetan refugees or the purchase of Tibet House, have in any way been misapplied. The current offices and staff quarters were renovated by benefactors, at their own expense, and provided (not sold) to the Office of Tibet, for its use, at a very low rent. This rent is met by the Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala. We did not intend to suggest that making a contribution to the Tibet House appeal was in any way made a condition for His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving his blessing.

We apologise unreservedly to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and his officers Mrs Kesang Takla and Mr Lobsang Yeshi, for any distress or embarrassment our earlier article may have caused them.

If you would like to know more about the plight of the Tibetan people, or would like to make a donation to help Tibetan refugees, please contact: The Office of Tibet, Tibet House, 1 Culworth Street, London NW8 7AF. Tel: 01717225378.