The authorities at Simla appear to doubt whether the Treaty
ought to be published ; but Colonel Younghusband, when the signatures had been affixed, rose and made a speech from which it is possible to deduce the main articles. After pointing out that the British Government had in no way interfered with their religion, had sought no territory, and " had fully recognised the continued suzerainty of the Chinese Government," the Envoy dwelt on the advantages which freedom of trade would bring, on the propriety of respecting British representatives, and on the advisability of "not departing from the traditional policy of Tibet in regard to political relations with other countries." The Treaty, he observed, would be rigidly respected by the British, but would also be rigidly enforced, and any infringe- ment of it severely punished in the end. He pointed out the perfect freedom, both of person and trade, which Tibetans enjoyed in India, intimated that British subjects ex- pected the same in Tibet, and ended by asking General Macdonald to release all Tibetan prisoners. We have else- where given reasons for believing that the Treaty, upon which the King has warmly congratulated Colonel Young- husband, may after all be carefully observed. That will be the direct interest of the Lamas, who do not want us back again, and of the Chinese Court, which recovers its place in the government of the immense province.
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