entire population, from princes and dukes down to the common
people having enjoyed the blessings of peace. During the reign of
the Emperor Tao Kwang changes in the established institutions, which
were opposed to Mongolian sentiment, caused dissatisfaction which
was aggravated by the corruption of the administration during the
last days of the Manchu Dynasty. Taking advantage of this Mongolian
dissatisfaction, foreigners instigated and assisted the independence
movement. Upon the Kiakhta Convention, being signed the autonomy of
Outer Mongolia was held a _fait accompli_, 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 Government 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 unwilling 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 attacked both Chinese and Mongolian troops,
this being followed by the entry of the Red Army, thus making the
situation impossible.

"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, dukes, lamas and others
and have held frequent meetings to discuss the question of our
future welfare. Those present have been unanimously of the opinion
that the old bonds of friends