Mr. KINGasked whether Indian troops have been sent to Persia; if so, whether the Persian Government concurred in this action; whether the object for which the troops were sent has been attained; and whether a probable date can be named for their return?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Persian Government have not concurred. The object for which the troops were sent—namely, the safety of British lives and property at Bushire and elsewhere—has not, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, yet been attained. The Persian Government have been informed that, as soon as they have succeeded in putting into operation an effective scheme for the restoration of security, the reinforcements of the British Consular escorts will be withdrawn. It is not yet possible to name a probable date 687 when the measures in question will have been executed by the Persian Government.
§ Sir E. GREYYes, the Persian Government requested that the increase of the Consular escort should not be made. His Majesty's Government, in view of the reports they have received of actual danger to life and property in one or two of the towns in Persia, were not able to accede to that request.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Russian Government are sending troops?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Russian Government are sending an increase of Consular escorts to one or two places amounting, I think, to about 100 men in one case and to between 100 and 200 for others.