Robert Ford leaving Gangtok, Sikkim, bound for Tibet
Photo: savetibet.org
Robert Webster Ford, a lifelong friend of Tibet and the first foreigner to serve in the Tibetan government services, has died. He was born in March 1923 in Burton-on-Trent, England, and died on September 20 in London aged 90.
Robert Ford joined the British Mission in Lhasa as a radio officer in 1945, and when India gained independence in 1947 he was appointed by the Government of Tibet. He started Tibet’s first broadcasting station, trained Tibetan radio operators and set up a radio communications network throughout Tibet. He spent five years in Tibet, declaring that he “had the opportunity to witness and experience at first hand the reality of Tibetan independence…It was a…country with its own government, its own language, culture, customs and way of life.”
His Holiness presenting the “Light of Truth Award” to Robert Ford
Photo: savetibet.org
Ford had his first audience with the then 14-year-old Dalai Lama in Lhasa, and his last earlier this year when His Holiness honoured him with the International Campaign for Tibet’s “Light of Truth Award” which recognised his “tireless advocacy on behalf of Tibet for more than half a century.” At the ceremony he was presented with the last of his salary from his time in Tibet, a 100 Srang note of Tibetan currency. The Chinese authorities had imprisoned Ford before his salary was due.
The PLA arrests Robert Ford in 1950
He was arrested in 1950 by the invading Chinese army, along with the Governor General of Kham, Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, and other Tibetan officials. The People’s Republic of China accused him of espionage, spreading anti-communist propaganda and causing the death of Geda Lama. He spent nearly 5 years in jail, in constant fear of being executed, and was subjected to interrogation and thought reform. In 1954 he was allowed to send a letter to his parents. At the end of 1954 his trial was held and he was sentenced to ten years in jail. He was eventually released and expelled in 1955.
In 1957, Ford published his book Captured in Tibet about his experience. He was a founding member of the Tibet Society in 1959 and remained a Vice President for the rest of his life. He wrote extensively and lectured on all aspects of Tibetan and Chinese affairs in the UK, the rest of Europe, Australia and the United States.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has passed a resolution to sincerely commend Robert Ford’s accomplishments, and to hope that his great visions be realised. Further, there were prayers that he attains noble rebirth, and profound condolences extended to his family.
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