§ Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there 1836 is any understanding with the Russian Government that before their troops advance beyond Kazvin the consent of the other party to the Anglo-Russian Convention should be obtained, and that their troops should not advance unless the lives and property of Europeans in Tehran are in imminent danger?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Russian Government have explicitly declared that their troops will not advance to Tehran except for the protection of European lives and property against imminent danger. There is no other understanding between the two Governments.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYHas the Secretary for Foreign Affairs received any information to-day about this question?
§ Sir E. GREYThe information from this district is very confused, and it is very difficult to make any definite statement in regard to it.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYHas the right hon. Gentleman received no definite information to-day?
§ Sir E. GREYI have not received information which states definitely whether there is danger or not. I understand that telephonic communication is interrupted, and it is quite possible events have occurred of which we have not heard.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSIs it not a fact that the Cossacks at Tehran are defending the market square?
§ Sir E. GREYI have already answered that question.
§ Sir E. GREYI think that is understood.