HC Deb 23 February 1910 vol 14 cc202-3
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what are now the numbers of Russian troops remaining at Tabriz; and whether any still remain at Kazvin in spite of the assurance of the Russian Government made some five months ago?

The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

According to the latest information in my possession, which refers to the situation at the end of December, there were at that time about 1,000 or 1,100 Russian troops in Tabriz and the Ardebil district. Shortly before that time 600 or 700 men were withdrawn from Kazvin, leaving about 1,000 or 1,100 troops at that place also.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is there any disposition on the part of the Russian Government to remove the troops remaining at Kazvin, or will they stop there?

Mr. REES

Does the action of the Russians in this behalf differ materially from our own in landing troops in that country?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I think the Russian Government are desirous of withdrawing their troops at the earliest possible moment.