MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government have appointed a Russian Consul at Ahwaz on the Karun River in Persia; whether the Belgian Customs officials employed by the Persian Government have made any, and if so, what, alterations in the system of collecting duties on or near that river; and whether His Majesty's Government will lay on the Table the Papers showing the terms set forth by the Persian Government when opening the navigation of the Karun River.
§ LORD CRANBORNEHis Majesty's Government understand that a Russian Consular agent has been appointed for Arabistan. The Customs duties on the Karun with which we are principally concerned have hitherto been collected at the ports of destination, but the Persian Government now wish to collect all such duties at Mohammerah. His Majesty's
† See (4) Debates, cxiii.,208846 Legation at Teheran are in communication with them on the subject. It would not be desirable to lay Papers at present.
§ LORD CRANBORNEI do not think I can enter into any engagement.