§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he was aware that mass meetings had been held in Persia to protest against the intervention of Russia in the present crisis, and to resist the military invasion by Russian troops; and whether, in view of the terms of the Anglo-Russian Convention, His Majesty's Government had fully considered the effect upon the people of Persia of agreeing that Russia should act for the joint signatories to the Convention; if so, what steps he intended taking in such a situation?
§ Sir E. GREYI have no information of the nature mentioned by the hon. Member. His Majesty's Government have fully considered the effect in Persia of the step taken, which was absolutely necessary for the protection of foreign lives and property, and is of a purely temporary nature. I see no reason for any action on the part of His Majesty's Government at present.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDHas the right hon. Gentleman got any guarantee that whilst the occupation may be temporary it will not interfere with the Constitutional movement in Persia?
§ Sir E. GREYWhen the question of sending Russian troops to Tabriz arose, His Majesty's Government stipulated as a condition of their agreement to this step, that it should not be taken in 873 favour of either of the contending factions in Persia, but solely for the protection of the lives of foreigners. The Russian Government have since, in a circular to the Powers, officially declared the objects with which the force was sent, and this declaration has been published in the Press. It should be remembered that when the Russian Government decided to take action Tabriz was in extremis.
§ Mr. PONSONBYWill the Russian Government be allowed to exercise the right they claim of arresting their own subjects who participate in the Constitutional movement?
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot say anything about what the Russian Government will do with regard to their own subjects.
§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware of the negotiations between the Anjuman, in Tabriz, and the Shah on the matter of the precise form of constitution acceptable to both sides in the controversy; whether he was aware that the desire of the Shah was that a constitution should be established in conformity with the sacred law, and that the Anjuman desired a restitution of the former constitution; and, if so, would representations be made to the Shah by both Powers who were signatories to the Anglo-Russian Convention that the desires of the Tabriz Anjuman and the Persian people generally for the restitution of the former constitution was also the opinion of the Russian and British Governments?
§ Sir E. GREYThe reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, the demands made by the representatives of the two Powers at Teheran include the restitution of constitutional government and the immediate convocation of an assembly elected under a new electoral law.