HC Deb 21 April 1910 vol 16 c2287
Mr. DILLON

asked at whose instance Sattar Khan was obliged to leave Tabriz; whether the British Government took any part in compelling him to leave; and whether he hats any information as to the alleged causes for his enforced withdrawal from Tabriz?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Sattar Khan was expelled from Tabriz by the Persian Government at the instance of the British and Russian Ministers at Tehran, acting on instructions from their Governments. The step in question was, in the opinion of both Ministers and of the British and Russian Consular Representatives at Tabriz absolutely necessary, because there was no chance of the restoration of order and public confidence in the town till Sattar and Bagher Khans were compelled to leave it, and their turbulent followers were disarmed.

Mr. DILLON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the grounds on which that decision was come to? What has this gentleman done?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The grounds were the personal knowledge of our representative on the spot.

Mr. DILLON

Can the hon. Gentleman state what this man has done to justify such extreme action?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have explained that in the reply.

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