§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Since what date telegraphic communication with Meshed has been interrupted; whether the Government have taken any steps whatever to ascertain the truth of the report as to the annexation by Russia of the district of Kuchan in Persia; and, whether it is proposed that any representative of this Country should be present at any proceedings which may be taken for the delimitation of the new frontier between Russia and Persia?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, when I was asked by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett) to telegraph to Meshed, I replied that we had no direct means of telegraphic communication with the British Agent at Meshed, who is a Persian gentleman, and that he communicates with the British. Minister at Teheran, who forwards his Reports to us. We receive full and frequent Reports from Mr. Thomson, and both from them and those furnished to us by Mr. Wyndham there appears to be no truth in the report of the annexation by Russia of the 1895 district of Kuchan. The matter mentioned in the third branch of the Question is under consideration; but we learn that such proceedings will not take place for many months.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked, when the promised map, showing the annexations of Russia in Central Asia, will be laid on the table of the Library?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKE, in reply, said, the Foreign Office had not received a map, but it had received a list of names of places on the frontier, by the aid of which a map was being marked; but there being a difficulty in fixing the exact position of the territories, further information was required and had been telegraphed for from St. Petersburg. The map thus prepared would probably be ready before the end of the Session. An accurate map had been promised them, and he hoped it would be received before the Recess.