HC Deb 13 July 1909 vol 7 c1835
Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Shah's decree of 10th May, granting an amnesty for political offences, with licence for exiles to return to Persia, has been communicated officially by the Persian Government to the Governments of Great Britain and Russia; and, in view of the fact that similar proclamations from the same source have frequently been broken, can he state whether any and, if so, what guarantees have been given to the exiles that their lives and property will be scrupulously respected upon their return to Persia?

Mr. REES

Before the right hon. Baronet answers that question I would like to ask him whether the execution of any such guarantees would not be a flagrant breach of the policy of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of Persia?

Sir E. GREY

The decree in question has been so communicated. No special guarantees have been given, but the two Legations would, of course, use all their influence to see that a promise given through them was not violated.