Explore the complex history of Anglo-Tibetan relations, focusing on the Treaty of Lhasa and its diplomatic and political consequences for Tibet and international relations.
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Anglo-Tibetan Relations
Background and Prelude
Tibet was governed by a theocracy of Buddhist monks (lamas) under nominal Chinese suzerainty.
British efforts to establish friendly and commercial relations with Tibet had previously failed, leading to a deadlock by the time of Curzon’s arrival in India.
The Chinese suzerainty over Tibet was ineffective, and Russian influence was increasing, with reports of Russian arms entering Tibet.
Curzon sent a small Gorkha contingent under Colonel Younghusband to negotiate with the Tibetans. The Tibetans refused and offered non-violent resistance. Younghusband entered Lhasa in August 1904, while the Dalai Lama fled.
Treaty of Lhasa (1904)
Younghusband dictated the terms to the Tibetan officials, which included:
Tibet was to pay an indemnity of Rs 75 lakh, at a rate of one lakh rupees per annum.
The Indian Government would occupy the Chumbi Valley (between Bhutan and Sikkim) for 75 years as security for payment.
Tibet was to respect the frontier of Sikkim.
Trade marts were to be opened at Yatung, Gyantse, and Gartok.
Tibet was not to grant any concessions for railways, roads, telegraph, etc., to any foreign state, but was to give Great Britain some control over its foreign affairs.
Later revisions, due to pressure from the Secretary of State and a pledge to Russia, reduced the indemnity from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and provided for the evacuation of the Chumbi Valley after three years (actual evacuation occurred in January 1908).
Significance
Ultimately, China benefitted the most from the situation. The Anglo-Russian convention of 1907 stipulated that neither Britain nor Russia would negotiate with Tibet except through Chinese mediation.
Curzon’s policy effectively countered Russian schemes in Tibet.
Anglo-Tibetan Relations
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