would respect them as we demanded they should
respect us, and, in place of distrust, to establish a confidence
between us which would prove the surest foundation
for future relations.
A loss of life was indeed necessitated which every
one of us regretted; yet I for one believe that at any
rate some good will come to the Tibetans as the result
of our work. War does not always mean oppression.
Nor does the breaking of the power of a despotic
Government mean the down-treading of the people.
From the first the Tibetan peasantry showed goodwill
towards us. They were especially anxious to trade
no keener traders could be found. We have, as one
result, partially freed the people from the terrible
incubus of priestly control, and there are unmistakable
signs that we left them better disposed towards us
after our advance to Lhasa than they were before.
Owing to the magnificent behaviour of the troops, the
confidence of the people was entirely gained. Villagers
and traders thronged to our camps. Soldiers went
about unmolested in every part of the Lhasa bazaar.
Officers were admitted to the most sacred shrines.
Captain O'Connor, my right-hand man in dealing
with the Tibetans, was received not only with real
ceremony, but with real warmth by the Tashi Lama
at Shigatse. And last, but by no means least, Tibetan
wool-merchants are already making arrangements for
trading with India.
How all this was effected none can tell better than
Mr. Landon. He took the keenest interest in the
mysteries of Tibet, and appreciated to the full the
wonderful scenery which to my mind was infinitely
the most fascinating of all our experiences. I have
not had the advantage of reading the proofs of his book,
and I cannot be responsible for any political views
which he may have expressed. But I feel confident
that no more competent chronicler of what the Tibet
Mission saw and did could be found, and we were indeed
fortunate in having with us one of his enthusiasm
and powers of description.
F. E. Y o u n g h u s b a n d .
27, Gilbert Street,
Grosvenor Square, London.
December 15th, 1904.
Private Seal of the Dalai Lama.