§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether it is intended to reinforce tke Indian troops now at Ahwaz, in Persian territory; whether it is intended to reduce this force; whether the original reinforcement was made with the knowledge and consent of the Persian Government; and, if not, whether there is any precedent for the use and reinforcement of a consular guard in the territory of a friendly Power without its knowledge and consent in order to protect the interests of a private trading company.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey). The first point in the hon. Member's Question was dealt with in my reply to the Question which he addressed to me on the 3rd instant. As regards the second point, the possibility of reducing the force must depend on the state of the district where it is stationed. As regards the third point, the Persian Government were informed that His Majesty's Government proposed to reinforce the Ahwaz consular guard, and the usual facilities were afforded for the passage of the reinforcements. The step was imperatively necessary for the protection of British persons and property, and was taken on the receipt of alarming reports from His Majesty's Vice-Consul as to the condition of the district, which were confirmed by the accounts sent home to their principals by the local agents of the Oil Concessions Syndicate