INTRODUCTION
posed that Mongolia and Tibet should adopt a scheme of mutual support against Chinese aggression. He told them that such a step would produce a very good impression on the whole Buddhist world, and materially strengthen the position of both countries.
The Hu-tuk-tu being much flattered by this proposal of the Dalai Lama, seeing that it stipulated that he should be equal politically to his spiritual superior, naturally accepted it, and the result was the signing of an Agreement between Mongolia and Tibet which formulated a scheme of mutual support and promise of assistance to one another in case of emergency. This Mongol-Tibetan Treaty, which is given at the end of the Introduction, is of interest, inasmuch as it is believed to be the first copy to be translated into English. The delightful way in which the chronology is expressed, and the oriental names and titles of the signatories, carry one's mind back more to the reading of the Arabian Nights than to modern diplomacy.
Russia's advance in the East of late years has been rapid,—far more rapid than would have been expected. She has chosen her opportunities well. Her manipulation of the Mongolian question was admirably carried out during the Chinese Revolution, at a time when the eyes of Europe were riveted on the Balkan States, and the consequent questions
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