Thibet is almost the only country of importance which still
prohibits entrance to European travellers and merchants. This is said not to be due to the jealousy of the ruling Lamas, but to the policy of Pekin, which dreads both intrusion and observation from the westward. A telegram just received by the King of Sweden from the great Swedish explorer, Dr. Sven Hedin, seems to confirm this view. He says :—" I have made an extremely important journey through all Thibet, disguised as a pilgrim, with two followers. On approaching Lhasa we were recognised and captured, but were well treated by order of the Dalai Lama. Our second attempt was opposed by five hundred Thibetan soldiers. Made splendid discoveries, but lost almost our whole caravan. My notes were saved, and we have reached British territory [Kashmir]." The Chinese Resident probably censured the Grand Lama for his lenity, and soldiers were then sent to arrest Dr. Hedin. The loss of the caravan is unfortunate; but if Dr. Hedin's notes were saved, the dangerous journey will not have been made in vain.
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