§ MR. LYNCHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received information as to the part played by Colonel Liakhoff in the suppression of the Persian Parliament; is it a fact that last December the representatives in the Persian capital of Great Britain and Russia pressed upon the Shah the advice to remain faithful to his promise solemnly made to the popular assembly, that he would observe the constitution, one of the articles of which provides that the royal orders will be sanctioned only when they have received the signature of a responsible minister; were the orders issued to Colonel Liakhoff, which resulted in the sack of the Parliament House, countersigned in this manner; and on what grounds does the Russian Government justify the suppression by a Russian officer of the popular assembly, to which Russia and Great Britain had urged the Shah to remain faithful.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have no more information now than I had when the hon. Member last asked Questions on these points; nor do I see how I can usefully add to the general explanation and expression of opinion which I gave on Monday.
§ MR. LYNCHSeeing these events occurred more than five weeks ago, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the information before Parliament rises?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYEven if I had the information I am not at all sure I should be able to add to the statement I made last Monday, when the hon. Member had a full opportunity of stating his views, and I replied on the general circumstances of the case.