HC Deb 14 July 1908 vol 192 cc606-7
MR. LYNCH

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the military operations which resulted in the sacking of the Persian Parliament house and the suppression of the Parliament were directed by Colonel Liakhoff; whether the orders received by this officer were sanctioned by a responsible Minister as provided by Article 45 of the Persian Constitution, to which the Shah of Persia has sworn to remain faithful; and, if not, whether the action of Colonel Liakhoff has the approval of the two Powers signatory of the Anglo-Russian Convention.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I do not know what part Colonel Liakhoff took in these events, nor have I seen the text of the Article of the Persian Constitution referred to; Colonel Liakhoff was in the employment of the Shah, and His Majesty's Government are not called upon to express any opinion upon the proceedings of the Persian Government which do not affect British interests.

MR. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask our Chargé d'Affaires at Teheran for a Report?

SIR EDWARD GREY

In any case we cannot be held responsible for the working of the constitution.

MR. LYNCH

But is it not necessary that an order issued by the Shah of Persia should be countersigned by one of the Ministers?

SIR EDWARD GREY

Article 45 does not deal with that part of the question. In any case the Persians must settle the matter on their own account.