§ Mr. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State can give the House any further information regarding the circumstances in which the Dalai Lama has sought refuge in British-Indian territory?
Mr. GILBERT PARKERalso asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement concerning the flight of the Dalai Lama from Tibet; whether this Government has made inquiries of the Chinese Government as to the invasion of Lhasa; and what is the result of its inquiries?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)Hon. Members have been able to follow the course of events in the daily newspapers, and it is unnecessary for me to recapitulate the main facts. I will, however, read from a telegram which was received from the Viceroy last night: "It appears that Tibetans sent considerable force to face Chinese troops near Chiamdo in order to 855 intimidate them, but with orders not to fight. They accordingly retreated as Chinese troops advanced, and meanwhile Amban at Lhasa promised Dalai Lama that only 1,000 Chinese troops would be brought to Lhasa. Forty Chinese mounted infantry arrived suddenly in Lhasa and fired on several Tibetans, including two high officials, as these latter were leaving Potala peaceably, wounding one in leg and hitting pony of other. Dalai Lama also ascertained that Chinese had broken their promise to bring only 1,000 soldiers to Lhasa. He accordingly decided to fly to India, though against advice of Council and National Assembly. There appears to have been no fighting, except at Chaksam, where several Chinese were killed, the number of killed being variously estimated at from 40 to 80. Dalai Lama complained that Emperor of China promised him in Pekin that he, Dalai Lama, would have the same power as before in governing Tibet, but that Chinese in Tibet have broken this promise. Above information is from reliable Tibetan source. Dalai Lama arrives at Darjiling to-day."
His Majesty's Government have communicated with the Chinese Government with regard to the unexpected situation thus created, and in reply have received assurances upon the details of which it would be premature to make a statement.