§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Indian troops have been despatched into Persian territory for the purpose of protecting a petroleum concession granted to a British subject; whether this step has been taken with the consent of the Persian Government and with that of the Turkish and Russian Governments, parties to the frontier Treaty between Turkey and Persia; whether it is intended to reinforce the Indian troops in question; and whether the expenses of their despatch into Persian territory will be defrayed by Persia, by the Government of India, by this country, or by the British concessionaire.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe consular escort at Ahwaz has been temporarily reinforced by twenty men and two officers. This step has been rendered necessary by the disturbed state of the district, and the possible danger in consequence to the consular staff and the British employees of the Oil Syndicate. It is not a matter which affects the frontier Treaty referred to or the Governments who are parties to it. No objection has been raised by the Persian Government or any one else to a step which was taken solely to protect British persons and property. There is no intention of reinforcing the troops in question. The expenses of their despatch into Persian territory are being shared by British and Indian funds.