HC Deb 15 October 1908 vol 194 cc467-8
DR. RUTHERFORD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make friendly representations to the Government of Russia with a view to recalling the Russian officers who are leading the Shah's troops against the Nationalists and in that way jeopardising the lives of Europeans.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I presume that the hon. Member refers to Tabriz. My information is to the effect that no Russian officers are to participate in the operations there.

DR. RUTHERFORD

Is it not the fact that Russian officers have been ordered to lead the Shah's troops to Tabriz?

SIR EDWARD GREY

My information is that their instructions are that they are not to take any part in the operations.

SIR EDWARD SASSOON

May I ask whether it is not the fact that certain Russian officers have been for years past in command of Persian troops in Teheran?

SIR EDWARD GREY

There have been for years certain Russian officers connected with a brigade of Cossacks at Teheran.