§ MR. LYNCHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before bringing pressure to bear, in concert with His Majesty's Government, upon the Shah of Persia in favour of the revival of the Persian Constitution, the Government of Russia is taking steps to recall Colonel Liakhoff, who was instrumental in the suppression of that Constitution; and how it is proposed to persuade the Shah of the identity of aims pursued by the two Powers while this Russian officer continues in the exercise of the important functions which he fills in Persia at the present time.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have already answered this Question in a reply given to the hon. Member for East Mayo.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI do not think that is a Question which I am called upon to answer. His Majesty's Government are responsible for the policy they pursue.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAs far as Persia is concerned, are the English and Russian Governments one and the same?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe two Governments have joined in representations to the Shah to carry out his own pledges given to his own people with regard to the Constitution. I have been somewhat doubtful with regard to that step, because it is a departure from the strict letter of policy of non-intervention. But, on the other hand, if the present disorder in Persia is continued, there is still greater risk of intervention; and the course which we have adopted has, therefore, been chosen as the lesser of two evils.