§ SIR H. COTTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long negotiations have been proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the Chinese Government in regard to the Tibet Convention of 1904; where these negotiations are now being carried on; whether special officers or plenipotentiaries have been appointed by the respective Governments concerned to conduct the negotiations, and, if so, what are the names and official designations of these officers; and whether it is possible to inform the House when these negotiations are likely to be concluded.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYNegotiations for the adhesion of China to the Tibet Convention began before the Convention was signed on 7th September, 1904. They are now proceeding at Peking between His Majesty's Minister and the Foreign Board, but it is not possible to say when they are likely to be concluded.