§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any information to show that, in conformity with the understanding upon which Great Britain advised the Persian Government to accede to the demands of Russia, the Russian troops which had entered Persian territory have now been withdrawn?
§ Sir E. GREYThere was not a definite understanding. The Persian Government having delayed their reply to the Russian demands until the Russian troops had arrived in Persian territory, and Mr. Schuster having in the meanwhile distributed a pamphlet in Persia attacking Russia, the Russian Government have stated that they are compelled to formulate certain further demands, and will not withdraw their troops until these demands are granted. The advance of the troops has, however, been stopped at present at Resht. The Russian Government inform us that their military measures are of a purely provisional character, and that they have no intention of infringing the principles governing the Anglo-Russian Convention.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many Russian troops there are now in Persia?
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot give the exact figures.