File No. 8570/9–11.
Chargé Schuyler to
the Secretary of State.
[Extract.]
American Embassy,
St.
Petersburg, September 28,
1907.
No. 110.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm herewith my
telegram of the 26th instant, concerning the publication of the text of
the convention between Russia and Great Britain, signed on August 31
last.
The French text of the convention was handed to the ambassador just
before his departure by M. Goubastoff, the acting minister for foreign
affairs, who stated that the same text was to be given out for
publication in Washington on the 25th. In view of that statement I did
not think it necessary to telegraph the contents of the treaty, since it
would have been public property as soon as my telegram could have
reached the department.
The treaty has been received here on the whole with satisfaction, not so
much, perhaps, at the actual wording of the document, as at the idea of
a beginning of a secure understanding between Russia and Great Britain
with regard to their interests in Persia, Afghanistan, and Thibet.
[Page 981]
I transmit herewith a copy of the French text of the treaty,a
together with the text of the notes exchanged between the Russian
foreign office and the British ambassador, by which the two countries
agree not to send any scientific missions to Thibet for the space of
three years from date, and to urge the Chinese Government to do the
same.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
The British
Ambassador to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs.
St.
Petersburg, August 18/31,
1907.
Mr. Minister: Referring to the arrangement
on the subject of Thibet, signed to-day, I have the honor to make to
your excellency the following declaration: The British Government
considers it useful, as far as depends on it, not to admit, except
by previous agreement with the Russian Government, for a period of
three years from the date of the present communication, entrance
into Thibet of any scientific mission whatever, on condition,
however, that a similar assurance be given on the part of the
Imperial Government of Russia.
The British Government proposes, besides, to address the Chinese
Government to the end of securing from the latter the acceptance of
a similar undertaking for a corresponding period; it is understood
that the same step will be taken by the Russian Government.
At the expiration of the term of three years above mentioned the
British Government, in common accord with the Government of Russia,
will, if need be, consider whether it is expedient to take further
measures concerning scientific expeditions in Thibet.
Accept, etc.,
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to the British
Ambassador.
St.
Petersburg, August 18/31,
1907.
Mr. Ambassador: In answer to your
excellency’s note of this date, I have the honor to declare, in my
turn, that the Imperial Government of Russia considers it useful, as
far as depends on it, not to admit, except by previous agreement
with the British Government, for a period of three years from the
date of the present communication, entrance into Thibet of any
scientific mission whatever.
Similarly to the British Government, the Imperial Government proposes
to address the Chinese Government to the end of securing from the
latter the acceptance of a similar undertaking for a corresponding
period.
It remains understood that after the expiration of three years, the
two Governments, in common accord, will, if need be, consider
whether it is expedient to take further measures concerning
scientific expeditions in Thibet.
Accept, etc.,
