November 3, 2004

Dear Ambassador,

On behalf of the Mongol-American Cultural Association, a cultural and humanitarian organization dedicated to the preservation of Mongol culture in the United States, we would like to express our concern with the possible sale of the Chinggis Khan Mausoleum in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia to a private company. Such a transfer would be culturally and historically damaging to China, its Mongol community and to the international community.

The Ejen Horoo site is sacred ground to all Mongols and the relics of Chinggis Khan maintained there over the centuries by the Darhad Mongols represents a cherished cultural tradition. Hence, we are saddened to think that the government of China would permit the desecration of this most significant cultural treasure of the world by allowing it to fall into private hands. Any transformation of the site to a commercial privately held operation is we believe not only a short-sighted policy, but runs a high risk of eroding the image of China in the eyes of the international community.

We respectfully ask that you urge your government to protect this unique heritage of not only the local Darhad Mongols but also all Mongols throughout the world, and restore the responsibility for the Mausoleum's rituals and traditions back to the Darhad Mongols and rescind any transfer to private hands.

Note:

If you would like to add your name to a petition drive opposing the sale of the Chinggis Khan mausoleum and lands to a commercial enterprise and support the continued role of the Darhad Mongols, please send an email to webmaster@smhric.org with your name and address. Please continue to check this website for further updates.