The Sacrifice of Younghusband 259
shows both finally compromising their divergent views in the "act of grace." Had the Blue Book not been published, the Tibetans might have been deceived. But as the English language is understood in Chinese embassies, the fraud must be known even in Lhasa. There, men wear hideous devil-masks that hide good-humoured faces. Now they know that the English " act of grace" means simply this : " Unless prevented therefrom by rival powers, we shall do with the Tibetans whate'er we will." 'T is a fair mask hiding an ugly face.
The rejection of Younghusband by the Government adds nothing of morality to its rôle. The publication of the Blue Book does, however, suggest an engaging simplicity.
Confession and Restitution—these still remain today—approved by Religion, neglected by Statesmanship.
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