- The Younghusband Mission, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband, marked a significant episode in Anglo-Tibetan relations. The mission, sent by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, aimed to establish British influence in Tibet and counter Russian influence in the region.
- In 1903, the British expedition, consisting of military forces and a diplomatic team, advanced towards Tibet. The Tibetan authorities, under pressure, initially agreed to negotiate but later resisted the British presence. This led to a series of skirmishes and ultimately the British forces reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in August 1904.
- The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, fled to Mongolia, while Younghusband and his troops took control of Lhasa. The British declared a mission accomplished and forced the Tibetans to sign the Treaty of Lhasa in September 1904. The treaty recognized British influence in Tibet, imposed trade regulations, and provided compensation for the expedition’s costs.
- The aftermath of the mission saw the establishment of a British trade agency in Gyantse, Tibet, and the appointment of a British trade agent as the representative of the British government. However, British control over Tibet remained limited and largely symbolic.
- The Anglo-Tibetan relations remained strained in the following years, with sporadic border clashes and disputes. The situation changed with the Chinese Revolution of 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the weakening of Chinese control over Tibet. Subsequently, Tibet sought to assert its independence, and British authorities refrained from direct involvement in Tibetan affairs.
- In the early 20th century, the British continued to maintain their influence in the region through indirect means, such as supporting the Tibetan government financially and diplomatically. However, with the changing geopolitical landscape and the rise of Chinese influence, the British influence in Tibet gradually waned.
- Overall, the Younghusband Mission and the subsequent treaty marked a brief period of direct British intervention in Tibet. The mission aimed to secure British interests, counter Russian influence, and establish a favorable relationship with Tibet. However, the long-term impact on Anglo-Tibetan relations was limited, and Tibet’s status remained a subject of dispute between China and Tibet in the following decades.
Treaty of Lhasa (1904)
- The Treaty of Lhasa, signed in September 1904 between the British and Tibetan authorities, had several key provisions that dictated the terms of their relationship. The treaty was primarily dictated by Colonel Francis Younghusband on behalf of the British government. Here are the main points of the treaty:
- Indemnity Payment: Tibet agreed to pay an indemnity of Rs 75 lakh (7.5 million rupees) to the British government. The payment was to be made annually at the rate of one lakh rupees per year.
- Occupation of Chumbi Valley: As security for the indemnity payment, the British Indian government occupied the Chumbi Valley, which is the territory located between Bhutan and Sikkim. The occupation was to last for 75 years.
- Respect for Sikkim’s Frontier: Tibet committed to respecting the frontier of Sikkim, which was under British protection at the time.
- Establishment of Trade Marts: Trade marts were to be opened at Yatung, Gyantse, and Gartok. These locations would serve as centers for trade and commerce between British India and Tibet.
- Control over Foreign Affairs: The treaty granted Great Britain some level of control over the foreign affairs of Tibet. This meant that Tibet was not allowed to grant concessions for railways, roads, telegraphs, or any other infrastructure projects to any foreign state without the consent or involvement of the British.
- It is worth noting that later revisions were made to the treaty under the influence of the Secretary of State and in compliance with the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907. These revisions reduced the indemnity from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and set a timeline for the evacuation of the Chumbi Valley, which eventually took place in January 1908.
- Regarding the significance of the treaty, while it initially appeared that China gained from the situation due to the Anglo-Russian Convention, Lord Curzon’s policy effectively countered Russian schemes in Tibet. The convention stipulated that negotiations with Tibet would only occur through the mediation of the Chinese government, thereby giving China a prominent role in Tibetan affairs. However, Curzon’s actions and the terms of the treaty ensured that British influence prevailed in Tibet and curtailed Russian influence in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the historical context of Anglo-Tibetan relations?
A1: Anglo-Tibetan relations have a complex historical background, marked by the British Empire’s interest in Tibet during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The British sought to safeguard their imperial interests in India and maintain a buffer zone between British India and Russian expansion. The Younghusband Expedition of 1903-1904 was a significant event, as it led to the signing of the Treaty of Lhasa in 1904, establishing diplomatic relations between Britain and Tibet. However, these relations were never fully recognized by other world powers, and the issue of Tibet remained contentious.
Q2: How did Anglo-Tibetan relations evolve during the mid-20th century?
A2: The mid-20th century witnessed significant changes in Anglo-Tibetan relations due to geopolitical shifts and the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In 1950, China invaded Tibet, leading to its eventual incorporation into the PRC. The British government, focused on its relationship with the newly established PRC, did not actively support Tibet. With the annexation of Tibet by China, formal Anglo-Tibetan relations ceased to exist, and Tibet became a sensitive issue in international politics.
Q3: What is the contemporary status of Anglo-Tibetan relations?
A3: As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no official diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and Tibet. The British government recognizes Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China. While there may be some non-governmental initiatives and efforts to advocate for Tibetan rights, formal state-level relations between the UK and Tibet remain limited. The situation may have evolved, so it’s advisable to check the latest diplomatic developments for the most current information on Anglo-Tibetan relations.
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