HC Deb 16 May 1904 vol 134 cc1378-9
MR. TREVELYAN (Yorkshire, W. R., Elland)

I Deg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government will wait to give final sanction to the advance on Lhasa till the Chinese Amban has arrived at Gyangtse and the Report of his dealings with our Commissioners has been published.

MR. FLYNN (Cork County, N.)

At the same time may I ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the despatch dated 6th November, 1903, sent to the Viceroy of India, the contemplated armed expedition to Lhasa will be delayed until this House has had an opportunity of deciding on the propriety of taking such action.

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

As I stated in this House on the 12th inst., the advance on Lhasa has been l actually sanctioned, unless, within a period to be fixed by the Government of India, the Chinese Amban arrives at Gyangtse accompanied by a competent Tibetan negotiator. If this condition is not fulfilled, the advance will take place without any further sanction.

MR. FLYNN

Have the Government dropped the policy enunciated by the Prime Minister and adopted Lord Curzon's forward policy?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. TREVELYAN

Who are the Government of India to give sanction in Lord Curzon's absence?

MR. BRODRICK

The next senior Governor, Lord Ampthill, is administering the Government Curzon's absence.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Has the period referred to been yet fixed?

MR. BRODRICK

It is for the Government of India to decide the period, and His Majesty's Government has not yet been informed of their decision.