DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the Secretary 1712 of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Consul at Tabriz refused protection to Persian constitutionalists during the recent repression; and, if so, will be explain why he adopted this attitude.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYAdmission to the Consulate was refused in consequence of instructions sent to limit the taking of "bast" to cases in which life was in imminent danger. In this case it was desired, apparently, to use the Consulate for political purposes, a proceeding which His Majesy's Government cannot admit, as it would necessitate intervention by force on their part in the internal affairs of Persia. It appears that the political party named in the Question have lately not been repressed, but have got the upper hand at Tabriz.
DR. RUTHERFORDIs not the action of the Consulate at Tabriz in strong contrast with that of the Consul at Teheran?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYNo, Sir. At Teheran the action taken was necessitated because lives were supposed to be in danger.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI believe so.