THE ADVANCE IN THIBET

Otago Witness, Issue 2630, 10 August 1904, Page 19

THE ADVANCE IN THIBET

COLONEL YOUXGJELTJSBAXD IN [ LHASSA. A BRILLIANT EXPEDITION. | BOMBAY, August 2. As Colonel Younghusband's force was crossing the Bangpo, at Atchagsan, Major Bretherton, chief supply officer, was drowned. The Thibetan army fled on the approach of the British. August 5. The Thibetan peace delegates have abandoned their arrogant attitude, and are appealing to Colonel Younghusbaud not to proceed to Lhassa, declaring that the Dalai Lama might die of shock if j the city Avere entered. Colonel Young- ■ husband insists that the treaty must be signed in Lhassa. He promises not to j enter the monasteries imlcss the mission ! is attacked from them. August 7. Colonel Younghusbaud has reached , Lhassa. No fighting has occurred so far. August 8. The Dalai Lama secluded himself in a private monastery some miles away. The population of Lhassa is quiet. The Amban visited Colonel Young- j husband, who is encamped in the vicinity of the Dalai Lama's private garden. The Amban promised to assist in a settlement of the situation. He presented the troops with a gift of food. He has collected two days' supplies, and is collecting more.

The representative of Xepaul sent a deputation. His intention is to come himself shortly. Tongsa Penelop is with Colonel Younghusband, who ha? abundant supplies.

The Times states that the Lhassa expedition is one of the most brilliant in the annals of British India. Fire thousand Thibetan soldier* left Lhassa

during the night preceding the expedition's arrival. The population displays no malevolence, only insatiable curiosity. The Lama«, ts hile professing to Tri4i peace, "declined to allow Thibetan traders to form a market outride the town near the camp. They attempted to close the markets, but the Nepaulese representative protected, and the Aniban proved friendly.

The "Daily Mail static ih.'t 10,01)0 monks prepared to fig^l if ihe troops eutered Lha^.i. The delo g,ates reassured them, saying the expedition would not enter the city itself. A camp was temporarily pitched ahnut

westward of Potala, the Crand Lama's palace. Colonel Younghu&band, accompanied by fin escort, entered the city to return the Amban"a visit.