'Volume II. MEMORANDA REGARDING OTHER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS. 1905.' [‎69v] (143/228)

it was broken off last year, no objection
would be raised. In the latter case lang
might remain where he is until the probable
result of the communications between the
Prince and the Minister became known. The
attitude of the Chinese seems to the Govern
ment of India to show signs of weakening, and
it has been suggested to His Majesty’s Secre
tary of State for India that, while adhering
resolutely to the main position which has been
taken up under the authority of His Majesty s
Government, it might be wise to provide means
whereby China could yield without appearing
to do so. Accordingly, His Majesty’s Govern
ment have been advised to state definitely that
they are unable to agree to the transfer of the
negotiations either to Peking or London, and
that they would prefer to dispense with the
Agreement with China in default of the
arrangement proposed by the Government of
India, but that, as it is now clear that Tang’s
acceptance depends upon orders from Peking,
we should welcome Sir E. Satow’s intervention
there, not for the purpose of discussing any
modification of our terms or as an alternative
arrangement, but with a view to his applying
pressure or persuasion to Prince Ching to
instruct Tang to accept the terms offered.
12. The British Trade Agent at Gyantse
reports that he received a letter from the Ti-
Himpoche on the 21st June, containing a
number of complaints, regarding our action in
Chumbi, in various matters, such as the collec
tion of revenue, &c., and saying that, if the
Phari and Chumbi peasants are not allowed to
furnish free transport, &c., to Tibetan and
Chinese officials as heretofore, the friendship
between the two countries will be in danger.
In reply, Captain O’Connor has informed the
Ti-Bimpoche that as under the terms of the
Lhasa Convention the Chumbi valley is to
remain in British occupation for a term
of three years, the Indian Government can
not recognise the right of the Tibetan Govern
ment to raise any questions, regarding our
proceedings in the Chumbi valley during that
period. He has been asked to submit a copy
of the Correspondence to the Government of
India.
13. On the 28th July, Captain O’Con
nor telegraphed that he had received a letter
from the Lhasa Government couched in strong
and almost threatening terms, reiterating their
complaints regarding our action in the Chumbi
valley. The Lhasa authorities aver that
General Macdonald promised the Phari
Jongpens that they would be allowed to
exercise full powers during our occupation of
the Chumbi valley as before, and they re
proach the Government of India with- a
breach of faith likely to interrupt friendly
relations. The Tibetans further complain of"
the telegraph line to Gyantse, and demand its