HC Deb 28 March 1904 vol 132 cc837-8
MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the armed expedition into Tibet is now about to advance from Tuna to Kalatso; will he state how far the latter place is from the Indian frontier and from Lhasa; and whether, in view of the seriousness of this step, the Government can give facilities for discussing this enterprise in accordance with Section 55 of 21 and 22 Vic. c. 106, which provides that no military expedition shall be undertaken outside the frontier of India without the consent of Parliament.

MR. BRODRICK

(1) The Political Mission to Tibet is now about to advance to Kalatso. (2) Kalatso is about 100 miles from the Indian frontier at Rhenok and about 200 miles from Lhasa. (3) As I have already stated in this House, His Majesty's Government do not regard the fact that an escort accompanies the Mission as necessitating any action under Section 55 of the Government of India Act, 21 and 22 Vic. cap. 106.