New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-21
A PROTEST OVER TIBET.
Russia Regards British Treaty as
Breach of Pledges.

ST Petersburg, Sept. 2O-Russia officially
maintains that Great Britain has broken faith
in the matter of the Tibetan treaty. and Am
bassador Benckendorn has been instructed -
lodge general protest at the British Foreign
Office
According 10 the Russian view Great Brit
aims pledges TO Russia regarding the SCOPE Of
the expedition contemplated only the regulation
Of trade between India and Tibet and she dis
claimed any purpose to NEEDLE with the in
ternal or political affairs Of the country In
stead of so doing, Russia alleges that a treaty
was forced upon The Tibetars which creates
virtual protectorate over the country More
over it is contended that the treaty is a re-
striction upon the sovereignty of China since
while recognizing the sovereignty of China by
requiring her ratification. the treaty. once rati-
fed. transfers the sovereignty to Great Britain,
by compelling Tibet to consult with Great Brit
am IN dealing with the other powers. This is
considered to be aimed directly at Russia.
The protest lodged in London doubtless will
be followed By at Picking against the rati-
fcation Of the treaty. Great Britain Is believed
here to justify her action the ground that
she only agreed TO coufne herself to certain
specified limits contained in the assurance given
to Russia II the Tihetans did not oppose the
British expedition.
here that the Russian protest will be needed
either by Great Britain or China as Russia is
not in a position to make an issue, The general
feeling is that Great Britain has profted BY
Russia's preoccupation in the 70 make her
position in Tibet secure. Therefore. the chief
Importance OF the protest at this time is 10
serve notice that Russia does not acquiesce in
Great Britain's Tibetan programme. and that
she will feel herself at liberty TO reopen the
question when her hands are again free
The irritation of the Russian press a the
treaty's sweeping character is more pronounced.
The Russ" foresees that the occupation Of the
Chumhi Valley by the British will he prolonged
even after the payment Of the indemnity and
expresses surprise at China playing into the
hands Of Great Britain IN deposing the Delai
Lama and appointing in his place man chosen
by Great Britain. The Russ" significantly
adds.
The proclamation OF the British protectorate
must he regarded as an accomplished fact. but
whether IL viii no real and lasting must depend
upon future happenings IN Central Asia.
London. Sept 20.-No notification by Russia
OF her refusal 10 recognize the validity Of the
Anglo-Tibetan treaty has yet reached the For
eign ONCE. though 1t is well understood IN dip
lomattc circles that the ST Petersburg authori-
ties object to Article o. which gives Great
Britain practical suzerainry over the affairs OF
the Chinese province. and To the provision that
the British occupation Of The Chumbi Valley
shall continue In case the indemnity is not paid
The Foreign Office here evidently does not ap-
prehend an objection from any other power
and reiterates that the assurances given 10 The
United States that there VIII be no permanent
occupation OF any portion of Tibetar territory
will he observed.