§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any information had yet been received regarding the outrage on two British subjects near Ispahan three weeks ago; whether there were good reasons for believing that the recent extensive robberies from caravans on the Shiraz-Ispahan route took place in close proximity to Persian troops, who made no attempt to interfere; and what further measures it was proposed to take to ensure security on the trade routes in Southern Persia?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)As regards the first point, telegraphic reports have been received from His Majesty's Minister at Teheran, from which it appears that the amount stolen from the two British subjects was £130, and that, on learning of the robbery, he at once addressed a Note to the Persian Government, urging them to send instructions forthwith for the punishment of the robbers and for the recovery of the plunder, adding that unless the local authorities succeeded in restoring it or paid compensation, he would present a claim at Teheran. The victims, who were uninjured, left for Europe on March 9th. As regards the second point, it is true that on two occasions robberies took place in the presence of some Persian troops. His Majesty's Minister states that there is no reason to suspect complicity on the part of the troops, but a representation is being made to the Persian Government on the circumstances. As regards the last point, I beg to refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend said on the subject of the southern roads in the course of the debate on the 23rd instant.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would circulate to Members of this House copies of the map illustrating the Baghdad Railway question, which were placed at the disposal of another place on Wednesday, 22nd March?
Mr. McKINNON WOODAs has already been stated, the map will be annexed to the Blue Book on the Baghdad Railway Convention, which is now in course of preparation, but a certain number of copies shall meanwhile be placed in the Library of this House.
§ Mr. PICKERSGILLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to his statement respecting the laying of papers concerning Persia, that he would find out what Lord Morley had promised and whatever he had promised would be given, whether Lord Morley has promised any papers which were referred to this House?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am afraid I do not understand what my hon. Friend means by papers "referred" to this House. Further correspondence will be laid as promised.
§ Mr. PICKERSGILLThe hon. Gentleman says he does not know what I mean by papers "referred" to this House. The word "referred" printed in the Blue Taper is now properly printed "refused" ill the White Paper.
Mr. McKINNON WOODI could not divine the fact. Lord Morley has not promised any papers which have been refused to this House. Indeed, no papers have been refused to this House. My right hon. Friend (Sir Edward Grey), in referring to this matter, gave his reason why delay was necessary.
§ Mr. BYLESDid he not promise papers here which had been promised by Lord Morley in the other House?