HC Deb 25 July 1911 vol 28 cc1503-4
Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any information as to the return of the ex-Shah Mohammed Ali to Persia; and whether any steps had been taken to safeguard British interests in the event of a civil war in that Empire?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton yesterday. I trust that British interests will not be seriously affected; but we shall, of course, be kept informed by His Majesty's Minister at Teheran of the progress of events.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is it the fact that a Russian commissioned officer is assisting the ex-Shah in his inroads?

Sir E. GREY

I cannot say that I have heard that. All the information I have as to the attitude of the Russian Government points to that as being absolutely impossible.