§ MR. LYNCHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will communicate to the House the substance of any information which he may have received on the subject of the disorders in the city and province of Tabriz from His Majesty's Consul-General at Tabriz; and are any, and, if so, what, steps being taken by His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with that of Russia, to bring about a speedy settlement of the differences between the Shah and the Constitutional Party.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have received various reports to the effect that fighting has been in progress at Tabriz between the supporters of the Shah and the popular party. According to the latest information in my possession, the Shah's party, which was defended by Government horsemen, was attacked again on 20th July by the popular party. The Government horsemen were defeated, and withdrew to their second line of defence. The reactionary Enjumen, or political club, was occupied by the popular party, which pulled down the white flag hoisted there by the clergy. The clergy and Acting-Governor-General are said to have hidden. It is reported in the Press that there has been further fighting, which is exceedingly probable, though I have not yet heard the result of it. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, the Russian and British Governments are of one opinion as to the necessity of strict abstention from any forcible interference on their part in the internal affairs of the country.
§ MR. LYNCHIn view of the serious news just received to the effect that the telegraph wires have been cut, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House any assurance as to the measures that have been taken to secure the safety of the British Consul-General?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYSo far, in this Persian trouble, there has been no danger to foreigners. As for the rest, Persia must look after herself.
§ MR. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any Russian officers now serving with the Shah's troops?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYSo far as I am aware, there are no Russian officers at Tabriz or at Teheran.
§ *MR. REESIs there any record that at any time Europeans have been molested during popular disturbances in Persia?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe Answer to that Question would require a great deal of historical research.