Member-only story

The Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904: A Pivotal Agreement in British-Tibetan Relations

Michael Simmons

·19.4k Followers· Follow

Published in The Treaty Of Lhasa: The Anglo Tibetan Treaty Of 1904

4 min read

367 View Claps

37 Respond

Save

Listen

A Photograph Of The Anglo Tibetan Treaty Of 1904, Signed By Francis Younghusband And Thubten Gyatso, The 13th Dalai Lama. The Treaty Of Lhasa: The Anglo Tibetan Treaty Of 1904

The Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904, also known as the Lhasa Convention, was a significant agreement between the British Empire and Tibet. It was signed on September 7, 1904, by Francis Younghusband, the British Trade Agent in Sikkim, and Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama. The treaty had a profound impact on British-Tibetan relations and played a key role in shaping the political landscape of the Himalayan region.

The Treaty of Lhasa: The Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904

by Kate Fox

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	390 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	4 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Background

In the late 19th century, the British Empire was expanding its influence in Central Asia. With the establishment of a British protectorate over Sikkim in 1890, the British sought to establish diplomatic relations with Tibet, which bordered Sikkim to the north. However, Tibet was a closed and isolated country, and the Dalai Lama was reluctant to engage with foreign powers.

In 1903, the British sent a military expedition to Tibet under the command of Francis Younghusband. The expedition's stated purpose was to resolve a border dispute between Sikkim and Tibet. However, it was also seen as an attempt by the British to establish a foothold in Tibet and gain influence over the Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan army resisted the British advance, but was ultimately defeated. Younghusband's forces entered Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, in August 1904. The Dalai Lama fled to Mongolia, and the British took control of the city.

The Treaty

The Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904 consisted of nine articles. The most important provisions included:

* Tibet recognized the British protectorate over Sikkim. * Tibet agreed to open trade marts to British subjects. * Tibet agreed not to cede any territory to any other foreign power. * Tibet agreed to pay an indemnity of £75,000 to the British government. * The British government agreed to withdraw its troops from Tibet.

The treaty also established a British Trade Agent in Lhasa to oversee British commercial interests in Tibet.

Impact of the Treaty

The Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904 had a significant impact on British-Tibetan relations. It opened Tibet to British trade and influence, and it gave the British a foothold in the Himalayan region. The treaty also marked the beginning of a period of increased British involvement in Tibetan affairs.

The treaty was not without its critics. Many Tibetans resented the British presence in their country, and they saw the treaty as a violation of Tibetan sovereignty. The Dalai Lama himself was unhappy with the treaty, and he refused to ratify it until 1906.

Despite the opposition, the Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904 remained in force until 1911, when the Chinese government asserted its authority over Tibet. The treaty played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Himalayan region, and it continues to be a source of debate today.

A historical photograph of the Anglo-Tibetan Treaty of 1904, signed by Francis Younghusband and Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama. The treaty was a significant agreement between the British Empire and Tibet, and it had a profound impact on British-Tibetan relations.