xxii INTRODUCTION 



of the Manchu Dynasty, Taking advantage of this Mongolian 

 dissatisfaction, foreigners instigated and assisted the inde- 

 pendence movement. Upon the Kiakhta Convention, being 

 signed the autonomy of Outer Mongolia was held a fait ac- 

 compli, China retaining an empty suzerainty while the officials 

 and people of Outer Mongolia lost many of their old rights 

 and privileges. Since the establishment of this autonomous 

 government no progress whatsoever has been chronicled, the 

 affairs of government being indeed plunged in a state of chaos, 

 causing deep pessimism. 



"Lately, chaotic conditions have also reigned supreme in 

 Russia, reports of revolutionary elements threatening our 

 frontiers having been frequently received. Moreover, since the 

 Russians have no united government it is only natural that 

 they are powerless to carry out the provisions of the treaties, 

 and now that they have no control over their subjects the 

 Buriat tribes have constantly conspired and cooperated with 

 bandits, and repeatedly sent delegates to Urga urging our Gov- 

 ernment to join with them and form a Pan-Mongolian nation. 

 That this propaganda work, so varied and so persistent, which 

 aims at usurping Chinese suzerainty and undermining the 

 autonomy of Outer Mongolia, does more harm than good to 

 Outer Mongolia, our Government is well aware. The Buriats, 

 with their bandit Allies, now considering us unwilUjig to 

 espouse their cause, contemplate dispatching troops to violate 

 our frontiers and to compel our submission. Furthermore, 

 forces from the so-called White Army have forcibly occupied 

 Tanu Ulianghai, an old possession of Outer Mongolia, and at- 

 tacked both Chinese and Mongolian troops, this being followed 

 by the entry of the Red Army, thus making the situation im- 

 possible. 



"Now that both our internal and external affairs have 

 reached such a climax, we, the members of the Government, 

 in view of the present situation, have assembled all the princes, 



