§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of recent events, he can now consent to lay Papers on the affairs of Persia upon the Table of the House.
§ MR. O'GRADYMay I also ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made to the Shah respecting the grant of a Constitution, such as is desired by the Nationalists, and an amnesty to those who resisted the coup d'etat of June, 1908, prior to the recent decision of the Shah not to grant a Constitution; and, if so, will Papers concerning such representations be laid upon the Table of the House.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYAs I have already stated, representations have been made from time to time. I could, of course, publish Papers about Persia, but they would contain very unfavourable comments upon the action of the Shah and his ministers, and also upon the conduct of the Mejliss. I am sure they would not give pleasure to any party of the Persians, and I do not think the publication would be helpful to Persia, or that any public interest would be served by it.