THE SACRIFICE OF YOUNGHUSBAND-WHAT NEXT ?
SINCE writing the preceding chapter, there has appeared a second Blue Book in re Tibet. It reveals a contest between Policy and Logic. London had heard the notes of discontent emanating from several capitals, and vigorous protest from St. Petersburg, the capital most seriously and directly interested. The Younghusband treaty had not been received as a source of sweetness and light in international politics.
Wisely mindful of the vast burdens which the Empire is accumulating, and fearing that the sure gain of Tibetan occupation might be far less than the loss due to European (and American) opposition, it was decided to sacrifice Colonel Younghusband, and, with him, those terms of the treaty which, alone, can give it substance.
Clause IX. declares in effect a protectorate over Tibet. This clause was dictated in London. To obtain for it the signature of even a trumped-up Government, London had permitted — yea, commanded—the slaughter of many innocent men. It stands for a violation of Tibetan autonomy and of Chinese suzerainty. To make it effective something more must logically be had—and this was
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