Stance on Dalai Lama sends poor message

WHAT is happening now concerning the Dalai Lama visa debacle is merely a repetition of what happened in 2009, an embarrassment to this country and another example of the total lack of understanding by the powers that be to appreciate what an asset the Dalai Lama would be to a peace conference.

In 1961, I lived in a place called Assam in India, north east of Pakistan. When it became apparent to us that the Chinese were about to invade Tibet, we became slightly concerned as the reasons given by the Chinese government referred to the need for more land to feed its millions.

It saw India as a soft touch and used to say "where Indians grow one crop of rice, they would grow three".

I was ready to evacuate my bungalow in Assam the morning of the ceasefire. Meanwhile the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Tibetan people, fled to safety fearing for his life and went into exile.

Furthermore, it is quite apparent that the ANC is being financed by funds provided by the Chinese. This government of ours lacks moral judgment among many other shortcomings.

You must bear in mind that the Dalai Lama is deeply respected by all other nations and our stance sends a very deficient message to the rest of the world indicating this country's lack of sagacity and maturity.

Jeremy Davis, Port Elizabeth