page_title: December 1920
section_title: December 15, 1920 (Wednesday)
hierarchical_section_title: December 1920 / December 15, 1920 (Wednesday)
caption_attribution_description: English: Hastings House Calcutta 1910. Seated from left: Prince of Derge Ngawang Jampel, Crown prince of Sikkim Sikyong Tulku, Charles Bell, 13th Dalai Lama, Lonchen Shatra, Lonchen Zholgang, Lonchen Chankyim and Kalon Tenzin Wangpo. Standing from left S.W Laden la, Tashi Wangdi, unknown, physician Ngoshi Jhampa Thubwang, unknown, unknown, Phala (aka Kusho Palhese), unknown Nepalese soldier.
context_page_description: The following events happened in December 1920
context_section_description: In his capacity as the UK Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill informed the House of Commons that the United Kingdom would withdraw all of its troops the Sultanate of Persia (now the Islamic Republic of Iran) before the end of 1921. "One must remember that one is dealing with Orientals," Churchill said, "and the Persians, as well as others there, move slowly, but we have had to say to them that we really cannot stay any longer, and that if they do not by the spring get their own forces ready that they may take it we are leaving indefinitely."  Withdrawal would be completed by April 1.
  Permission was granted by 13th Dalai Lama for the first expedition to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, following a conference with Sir Charles Bell, the United Kingdom's emissary to Tibet.  Bell telegraphed the Viceroy of British India, Lord Chelmsford, who, in turn, then notified the India Office, "Bell telegraphs that he has explained to Dalai Lama object of desired exploration and necessity of travelling through Tibetan territory, and obtained Tibetan Government's consent".
  Austria was admitted into the League of Nations.
  Born: 
  Bernice Falk Haydu, American aviator and Congressional Gold Medal winner for her service as a test pilot for the Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II; in Montclair, New Jersey (living in 2020)
  Peter Lloyd, Australian aviator and air sports administrator;  President of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) from 1986 to 1988; in Cremorne, New South Wales (living in 2020)
  U.S. Army Captain Lewis Millett, Medal of Honor winner who, in 1951, led the last American bayonet charge in wartime; in Mechanic Falls, Maine (d. 2009)
caption: Bell and the Dalai Lama
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