1936 - 1937 Mission Diary

The official diary of the Gould mission to Lhasa sent by the British government. Read more about the mission diary.

2nd September. Wednesday. Lhasa.

The following visitors called today:

(1) Ta Lama Nagachen Rimpoche. The Tashi Lama's Agent. Dile Rabden 4th Rank Official, and Kusho Letsenpa came with him.

(ii) Phala Popen. Pay-Master and grain Collector.

(iii) Tsetrung Dameho, Lama Official.

Nagachen Rimpoche apologized for not having called before, but said he had thought it best to wait until all the Government officials had called. He had a two hours interview with the Political officer discussing the question of the Tashi Lama's return to Tibet. It was found very difficult to pin him down to any definite statements as to the Tashi Lama's demands and policy. He was in fact very evasive and showed little inclination to come to terms with the Lhasa Government, against whom he was full of complaints.

Nagachen Rimpoche brought presents for all members of the mission, cloisonne vases, China, silk and rugs.

In the afternoon we went to call with, presents on the Nepalese representative. On this occasion he was dressed less resplendently, for when he called on us he had on a complete suit of cloth of gold.

We then went to call and have after noon tea with Tsarong Dzasa, who has a very beautiful and well-built house. We were astonished at the beautifully cooked home-made English cakes provided, including genuine and perfectly made "Penny bums"!

Author: Philip Neame [see handwritten annotations in Diary by Hugh Richardson in MS. Or. Richardson 2, Bodleian Libary, Department of Oriental Collections, University of Oxford]

Page Reference: Pt V p.1