§ MR. LYNCHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether Turkish troops or irregulars are in occupation of any portion of Persian territory; and what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to secure the integrity of Persian territory on the side of Turkey.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYHis Majesty's Chargéd Affaires at Tehran reported by telegraph on April 30th, that a very serious raid had been made by Kurds who had penetrated as far as Urmi. This news has since been confirmed by His Majesty's Minister at Constantinople, 419 who has further reported that the Ottoman Government has sent stringent orders to the authorities on the frontier to do all in their power to prevent Kurds from committing depredations. I cannot say to what extent Turkish troops or irregulars are involved at this moment in violation of Persian territory: there has been a great deal of trouble on this part of the frontier during the last few months, which has formed the subject of representations at Constantinople, both by His Majesty's Government and the Russian Government, who desire to do all they can to promote an equitable settlement of the dispute.
§ MR. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire to what extent Turkish troops have participated in these raids?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe whole matter is being closely watched—we are doing all we can to promote an equitable settlement. I cannot say more.