HC Deb 21 June 1904 vol 136 cc693-5
MR. CHARLES DEVLIN (Galway)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he will state the object of the Mission to Tibet, the cost to date of same, the progress made and the loss in life sustained in promoting negotiations; whether, in view of the determination of the Tibetans to resist further negotiations of the character exemplified by the Mission, it is the intention of the Government to continue the work of the Mission; and if, in the event of success attending the Mission, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to annex Tibet.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRTCK,) Surrey, Guildford

For the object of the Tibet Mission, the progress of the negotiations, and the intentions of His Majesty's Government, I must refer the hon. Member to the Blue-books and to the statements made from time to time in this House. There is no change of policy on the part of His Majesty's Government. The total estimated expenditure to 31st March last was £308,500, and the monthly expenditure from April is estimated at a little over £50,000. Down to 10th June there had been killed in action two British officers, one native officer, twenty native rank and file, and two followers. There have also been the following deaths, otherwise than in action:—Two British officers, one British soldier, one native officer, one native warrant officer, sixty-three native rank and file, 116 followers.

MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what has been the loss of life among the Tibetans?

MR. BRODRICK

The information with regard to the losses among the Tibetans has been published as it reached us, and we have no other knowledge on the subject.

MR. CHARLES DEVLIN

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of my Question.

MR. BRODRICK

Yes, Sir; I have stated that there is no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government.

MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Tibetans have been made fully aware that it is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to annex their country?

MR. BRODRICK

Yes, Sir, in every way in which the Government could make it clear.