§ MR. LYNCH (Yorkshire, W.R. Ripon)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House as to the nature of the demands made by the Persian National Assembly to the new Persian monarch; whether these demands have been accepted by the Persian Government; and whether, in view of the present condition of affairs in Persia, any steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to promote greater stability in the Government of Persia and to safeguard the lives and property of British subjects in that country.
§ MR. RUNCIMANAccording to the reports which have been received, the Persian National Assembly demanded a formal recognition that the monarchy is limited, and that Ministers are responsible to the Chamber. These demands have, it is understood, been accepted. His Majesty's Government desire to abstain from any interference in the internal affairs of Persia, and any action on their part would be limited to such 546 measures as it might be in their power to take to safeguard the lives and property of British subjects, should these be in danger. No particular danger is, however, anticipated for European subjects or agents, and His Majesty's Government do not consider that any unusual steps are desirable at present. The best prospect of averting any interference with foreigners is to make it clear to the Persians that we do not intend to interfere in their internal affairs.