§ 2. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the independence of Tibet has been proclaimed at Urga; and whether an emissary, whether authorised or not, has stated in Urga that he is authorised to conclude an agreement with Mongolia and to negotiate with Russia, in view to placing Tibet under an Anglo-Russian protectorate?
§ Mr. ACLANDI have seen statements to that effect in the Press. I understand that an agreement of some kind has been signed at Urga. I cannot say what an emissary from Tibet may have stated in Urga, but the question of placing Tibet under an Anglo-Russian protectorate has never been discused or contemplated by His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the hon. Gentleman understand an agreement has been signed, and does he know what the agreement was?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am afraid I cannot say. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question.
§ 91. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India are enforcing the regulations by which, under the treaties of 1893 and 1908, tea is imported into Tibet; and to what extent the provisions in the latter treaty to the effect that the administration of trade marts shall remain under Tibetan officials subject to Chinese supervision is being actually observed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)The Trade Regulations of 1908 contained no provision regulating the import of tea into Tibet, which is still governed by Article 4 of the earlier Regulations of 1893. That article, so far as the Secretary of State is aware, is still operative. As regards the second part of the question, the administration of the trade marts remains under Tibetan officers. But, as I informed the hon. Member for Melton on 29th July, 1912, Chinese authority in Tibet has, so far as our information goes, ceased to be effective.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Government of India taking steps to ensure that the importation of tea from India into Tibet is at any rate not obstructed?