THE THIBET EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1681, 18 May 1904, Page 31

THE THIBET EXPEDITION.

LONDON, May 13. Tlie four natives who were butchered by the Thibetans during Captain Pairr’s absence with Colonel Brander were slowly cut to pieces. A captured Thibetan admits that the Chinese General was responsible, since he declined to interfere. The Thibetans are now 'using rifles of a superior European make. Mi’ Brodrick, Secretary of State for India, sibated in the House of Commons that (unless a competent Thibetan negotiator was appointed to accompany the Chinese arnban, Colonel Youngh»usband’s mission must proceed to Lhassa. He added that it was in no wise intended to depart from the limitations of the policy telegraphed to Lord Ourzon, Viceroy of India, on 6th November, and that steps would be taken to protect communication. LONDON, Maty. 14. Half a battalion of Fusiliers stationed at Darjeeling (Lower Himalayas) and half a battaliou of native infantry, with foun' ten-pounder guns, have been ordered to hold themselves ready for service in Thibet. - The Thibetans are able to put 20,000 men in the field.

, LONDON, May 16. The lamas are preaching a Holy War in Thibet. Two thousand Kliamba warriors .‘are reinforcing the Thibetans at Fort Gyangtse. The bombardment by the Thibetans continues, superior jingbals being used, but the British sharpshooters beep the fire down. The British have burnt several villages on account of tlie natives harbouring assailants.