IIIF Color HighRes
National Institute of Informatics - Digital Silk Road Project
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| IIIF Color HighRes |
| India and Tibet : vol.1 |
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Citation Information
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WARREN HASTINGS' POLICY 7
had written to the 'Tashi Lama, proposing a general treaty
of amity and commerce between Bengal and Tibet. The
letter of the Lama, he said, had invited us to friendship,
and the final arrangement of the disputes on the frontier
had rendered the country accessible, without danger either
to the persons or effects of travellers. He had, therefore,
written for and obtained a passport for a European to
proceed to Tibet for the negotiation of the treaty, and he
now purposed sending Mr. Bogle, a servant of the Corn-
pany, well known for his intelligence, assiduity, and exact-
ness in affairs, as well as for the " coolness and moderation
of temper which he seems to possess in an eminent degree."
Warren Hastings, with great wisdom and knowledge of
Asiatic affairs, adds that he is far from being sanguine
in his hopes of success, but the present occasion appears
too favourable for the attempt to be neglected."
This latter is precisely the point which we who have
dealt with Asiatics can appreciate so well—taking the
opportunity, striking while the iron is hot, not letting the
chance go by, knowing our mind, knowing what we want,
and acting decisively when the exact occasion arises. It
is hard to do nowadays, with the Provincial Govern-
ment so subordinate to the Government of India, with the
Government of India so governed by the Secretary of
State, with Cabinet Ministers telling us that the House of
Commons are their masters, and members of the House
of Commons Nevertheless, they are the mouthpieces of their con-
stituents. evertheless, the advantages of such a method
of conducting affairs must not be forgotten. Decision and
rapidity of action are often important factors in the
conduct of Asiatic affairs, and may save more trouble
than is saved by caution and long deliberation.
Warren Hastings' policy was, then, not to sit still
within his borders, supremely indifférent to what occurred
on the other side, and intent upon respecting not merely
the independence but also the isolation of his neighbours.
It was a forward policy, and combined in a noteworthy
11 manner alertness and deliberation, rapidity and persist-
ency, assertiveness and receptivity. He sought to secure
his borders by at once striking when danger threatened,
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