§ Mr. PONSONBYI wish to ask the right hon. Baronet whether he is aware that the demands formulated by the leaders of the Nationalist forces in the neighbourhood of Tehran are, in many respects, identical with those presented to the late Sultan of Turkey by the general of the Salonika troops, prior to his entry into Constantinople; and can he state the grounds upon which the representatives of Great Britain and Russia have informed the leaders of the Nationalist forces in Persia that, should they persist in their intention to enter Tehran, a Russian force would also enter that city?
§ Sir E. GREYI have no knowledge of any formal list of demands presented to the late Sultan at the time mentioned. The objects which the Salonika troops had in view appear to me to be dissimilar from those of the Bakhtiaris and Nationalists. The representatives of Great Britain and Russia made no intimation to the leaders of the Persian Nationalists respecting an entry into Tehran. It was stated to those who were threatening Tehran that the best way to avoid foreign intervention was to restore order and give the Constitution as now re-established a chance.
§ Mr. LYNCHI understand that if order is maintained by the Nationalist forces, there will be no excuse for foreign intervention?
§ Sir E. GREYThe hon. Member must give me notice of that question.