The British Mission in Lhasa: Important Historical Overview

Establishing a Foothold in Tibet by British Misssion

The British mission in Lhasa, initially established by the British Indian government, marked a significant chapter in the history of Tibet’s international relations. Located in Dekyi Lingka, this establishment played a pivotal role in the diplomatic landscape of the region.

In August 1936, the British mission was formally established, with Hugh Richardson taking the helm as its first representative. This move was part of a broader strategy by the British to secure their interests in the region and counteract other foreign influences.

Transition to an Indian Representation

Following India’s independence on August 15, 1947, the British mission in Lhasa transitioned to an Indian representation. Richardson continued to serve in his role until the peaceful liberation of Tibet in August 1950, at which point he left the region. By September 16, 1952, the status of the representation was downgraded to a Consulate-General by the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The Huang Musong Mission

The presence of Huang Musong and his delegation in 1934, sent by the Chinese Government to pay homage to the great 13th Dalai Lama, left a lasting impression on Tibet. The delegation’s success prompted the British to counterbalance Chinese’s influence by sending their own mission to Tibet.

The 1936 British Expedition to Lhasa

In August 1936, Basil Gould led a British delegation to Lhasa, accompanied by notable figures such as his secretary Spencer Chapman, General Philip Neame, and several others. Their mission included negotiations with the Tibetan government and discussions on the potential return of the 9th Panchen Lama to Tibet. Gould also promised military aid to Lhasa, highlighting the strategic interests of Britain in the region.

Lasting Impressions and Legacies

The British delegation hosted a New Year’s banquet for the Tibetan regent and other high officials, showcasing the deepening ties between the British representatives and the Tibetan government. Even after Gould’s departure in February 1937, Richardson remained as the first official representative, maintaining close communication with the British Indian government through a radio set left by the mission.

The establishment of the British mission in Lhasa became a crucial link between Tibet and British India. The representatives, with their extensive experience in Tibetan affairs, developed strong relationships across various social strata in Lhasa, further solidifying the mission’s influence in the region.

The Role of Robert Ford and Reginald Fox

Between 1937 and 1947, Reginald Fox served as the telegrapher for the Lhasa mission, continuing his duties for the Tibetan government even after the mission’s closure. In 1941, Henry George Beckett took over the telegraphy duties, maintaining the mission’s crucial communication role.

Advancements and Diplomatic Endeavors: The British Mission in Lhasa (1944-1950)

Enhancing Communication: The Introduction of Wireless Telegraphy

In 1944, the Tibetan government appointed Tsarong Dzasa Dongtse Langdze (the father of Thubten Jigme Norbu) and Kipup Wangdue Lobzang to learn wireless telegraphy at the British mission in Lhasa. This initiative was a significant step towards modernizing Tibet’s communication infrastructure. The following year, Robert Webster Ford joined the mission, contributing to its wireless intelligence operations. This period marked a pivotal moment for Tibet, embracing modern technology to enhance its diplomatic communications.

The Sino-Indian Highway and Tibetan Diplomacy

The creation of the Sino-Indian Highway in 1944-1945 was a monumental project aimed at facilitating the transport of war supplies from India to China, crucial for the Chinese resistance during World War II. In February 1942, the Chinese Government and the Indian Government agreed to open a livestock transport route from India through Tibet to China. Despite initial resistance from the Tibetan public and the government due to concerns over sovereignty and the impact on local routes, compromises were made. By July, the Tibetan government had agreed to allow the transport of non-military goods, such as medicine and mail, paving the way for the route’s establishment.

The Formation of the Foreign Affairs Bureau

On July 6, due to the increasing foreign affairs in Tibet, the Tibetan government decided to establish a special “Foreign Affairs Bureau.” This move was to manage Tibet’s external relations more effectively, including communications with the China, the United Kingdom, and Nepal. However, the proposal faced rejection from the China, leading to a temporary halt in negotiations until they resumed in 1943.

The Hump Route Incident

A noteworthy event occurred on November 30, 1943, when a C-87 transport plane flying over the “Hump” route (a strategic air route over the Himalayas between India and China) was forced to land in Tibet due to fuel exhaustion. The five American crew members were sheltered by the British mission in Lhasa and safely returned to India, illustrating the strategic significance of Tibet during wartime and the mission’s role in international rescue operations.

Promoting English Education in Tibet

In 1943, Hugh Richardson and the Assistant Political Officer in Sikkim, Frederick Williamson, proposed to the Tibetan government that more Tibetan youths should learn English. This recommendation aimed at empowering Tibet to independently navigate politics, military affairs, and industry on the international stage. The Tibetan government accepted the suggestion, highlighting a progressive shift towards embracing global languages and education.

In January 1944, the British mission assisted in finding a principal for the new English school, further emphasizing the importance of English education. Despite initial opposition from Lhasa’s major monasteries, the establishment of the English school represented a significant step forward in Tibet’s educational reform.

Navigating Political Turbulence

By April 1946, Richardson informed the Tibetan government of the intentions and activities of the Tibetan Revolutionary Party, leading to decisive actions against the movement. This period underscored the British mission’s critical role in political intelligence and security matters in Tibet.

Transition to Indian Representation

Following India’s independence in August 1947, the role of the British mission in Lhasa transitioned to Indian hands, with Richardson continuing his service until August 1950. His successor, Sumul Sinha from the Indian Foreign Service, marked the continuation of India’s diplomatic presence in Tibet, maintaining the legacy of international engagement initiated by the British mission.

The British mission in Lhasa (1944-1950) represented a period of significant technological, educational, and diplomatic advancements in Tibet. Through the introduction of wireless telegraphy, the establishment of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, and the promotion of English education, Tibet engaged more directly with the international community, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic endeavors and modernization efforts.

The Turning Point in Tibet’s Modern History: 1949-1952

In 1949, as the Chinese Communist Party emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War, the Tibetan government took preventive measures against the potential Communist infiltration into Tibet. Tsepon Shakabpa was tasked with compiling a list of suspected Communists. After months of secret investigations, this led to the expulsion of all members of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission’s Lhasa office, marking the second major expulsion in Tibet’s recent history.

Diplomatic Intrigues and Allegations

The role of Hugh Richardson, the British representative in Lhasa during this tumultuous time, has been subject to various interpretations by scholars. Richardson expressed surprise at the events, a sentiment supported by archives from the British Indian Ministry of External Affairs, indicating that the move to expel the commission’s staff was unexpected.

Contrary to Richardson’s claims of surprise, Tsepon Shakabpa recalled that Richardson had warned Tibetan officials of a substantial Communist presence in Lhasa, potentially acting as a fifth column for the Chinese Communist Party. While scholars like Melvyn Goldstein suggest Richardson might have informally influenced the Tibetan government’s decision, Liu Xueyao accused him of being the mastermind behind the expulsion, allegedly coordinating with both the Tibetan and British Indian governments.

A New Phase in Sino-Indian-Tibetan Relations

In 1952, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai proposed normalizing the status of the Indian mission in Lhasa to a Consulate General in exchange for China establishing a Consulate General in Mumbai. On September 16, 1952, the Indian Foreign Ministry announced the downgrade of its Lhasa mission to a Consulate General, directly under the Embassy in Beijing, formally acknowledging Tibet as part of China. This diplomatic maneuver marked a significant shift in Tibet’s international status and its relations with neighboring countries.

The British Legacy in Lhasa: Dekyi Lingka

Starting with Charles Alfred Bell, British representatives in Tibet made their residence at Dekyi Lingka, a testament to the lasting British influence in the region. The Dekyi Lingka compound, described by the wife of Frederick Williamson, a Political Officer in Sikkim, featured a tranquil garden crossed by a stream and adorned with hibiscus, peach, and walnut trees.

The main building, a two-story traditional Tibetan structure, included stables, a kitchen, and servants’ quarters. Its large dining room, vibrant pillars, and a separate room on the ground floor were complemented by a living area with exquisite Kashan carpets, a balcony, and an office on the upper floor. This architectural gem served not just as a residence but as a venue for diplomatic and social gatherings.

Expanding the Mission: The Construction of a Hospital

In 1939, Basil Gould, the Political Officer in Sikkim, communicated to the British Indian government the need to expand the Lhasa mission’s facilities to support its permanent presence. By November, the proposal was approved, leading to the construction of a Western-style hospital funded by the Tibetan government and designed by British architects. This facility, expanded in 1942 to include living quarters, alongside the formal permission in 1943 to establish a hospital and school, signified the British mission’s growing influence and commitment to Tibet’s development.

Conclusion

The years 1949 to 1952 were pivotal in shaping Tibet’s modern history, characterized by geopolitical intrigue, the Cold War’s shadow, and significant shifts in diplomatic relationships. The expulsion of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission’s staff, the reclassification of the Indian mission, and the enduring legacy of the British presence in Lhasa illustrate the complex interplay of local, regional, and international forces that continues to influence Tibet’s historical narrative.

the list of representatives who served at the British (and later Indian) mission in Lhasa along with their titles and terms of service: