§ MR. TREVELYAN (Yorkshire, W. R., Elland)I beg to ask whether the report is correct that the political mission to Tibet is about to advance to Gyangtse, and whether resistance from the Tibetans is anticipated.
§ MR. BRODRICKI am not aware that there is any change in the condition in Tibet. I believe the mission will shortly advance, as it has always been intended it should advance, to Gyangtse to meet the Chinese Amban. Nothing has occurred to prevent the advance, which it was intended it should continue as soon as adequate supplies were available; and I understand these supplies are on the point of becoming available.
§ MR. TREVELYANDo I understand that resistance is not anticipated?
§ MR. BRODRICKWe know nothing of any change in the position.
§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some eight miles north of the British camp, 8,000 or 9,000 armed Tibetans are ready to receive the mission?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Suzerain Power has been consulted throughout; it was with the full assent of the Suzerain Power that the first advance was made into Tibet, and it is owing to the obstruction of the Tibetans that the representatives of the Suzerain Power have not yet met the mission.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)Who will pay the cost of the mission?
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Has the Suzerain Power requested the withdrawal of the mission?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo. I do not think it is correct to say that; the Suzerain Power has throughout desired to meet the mission on Tibetan territory. The expenses of the mission will be paid by India.