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0031 India and Tibet : vol.1
インドとチベット : vol.1
India and Tibet : vol.1 / 31 ページ(カラー画像)

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doi: 10.20676/00000295
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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,