HC Deb 17 December 1912 vol 45 c1268
8. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any further information regarding the circumstances under which Captain Eckford met his death in the neighbourhood of Shiraz?

8. Sir E. GREY

I shall circulate this answer with the Votes: it is too long to read.

9. Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked whether the Central Indian Horse, who are now at Shiraz in Southern Persia, are practically prisoners and unable to move outside the city; and whether, in any case, any useful purpose is served by keeping so small a force there?

Sir E. GREY

The force at Shiraz is considered sufficient to protect His Majesty's Consulate in case of danger, which is the purpose for which it was originally sent there.

Sir H. CARLILE

Is the condition of the troops described in the question accurate? Are they practically prisoners; not allowed to go outside the town?

Sir E. GREY

It does not follow that they are prisoners because they cannot go outside the town. The question how far they can go about in safety is, of course, a different matter.

Sir H. CARLILE

What is the amount of the force?

Sir E. GREY

I must ask for notice of the actual numbers.