The French mission on the Tibetan frontier has been
subject to many vicissitudes, and its centres have again
and again been moved, so I doubt whether any lasting
impression has anywhere been made in the Salween valley.
Certainly I must confess I saw no obvious results of it
amongst either the Lutzu or Tibetans, for I cannot honestly
ascribe their friendly attitude to the good offices of the
Catholic Church. The latter at least are hospitable or
hostile according to the whim of the moment, hospitality



88 Through the Lutzu Country to Men-kong

prevailing, and the former, I believe, are never anything
else but friendly. Personally I think we owe more to these
bold priests for their additions to our geographical and
scientific knowledge of the country than to their efforts at
proselytizing the natives.
