A Bhutanese in Gyantse: The Treaty of Punakha and the Protection of Bhutanese Subjects

This paper focuses on the case of a Bhutanese subject who was assaulted by a Chinese soldier in Tibet, within the premises of the Trade Mart of Gyantse, in 1912. When the British Trade Agent asked the Political Officer in Sikkim, Charles A. Bell, about possible action, the latter stated that he believed Bhutanese subjects should be considered British subjects. This idea was vehemently opposed by the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, Henry McMahon, based on the interpretation of the Treaty made by the Viscount of Morley in April 1910. This article analyses the different positions in this case and aims to contribute to a better understanding of the status of the Kingdom of Bhutan following the Treaty of Punakha of 1910.