Mr. ALLENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of his undertaking to consult His Majesty's representative in China as to the advisability of the appointment of a British Consul at Urga, in Mongolia, he has any statement to make?
Mr. HENDERSONHis Majesty's Minister in China reports that he considers the appointment of a British Consul at Urga a practical impossibility, as the Chinese Government exercise no authority or influence over the Government of Outer Mongolia, which has for many years enjoyed complete independence from its suzerain, China. Nor would it be possible to send a British consular officer to Urga (supposing the Mongolian Government would consent to receive him) without the consent of China, as this would be tantamount to a recognition of the independence of Mongolia.