§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the boycott of British firms in Persia, and whether any steps have been taken to stop the treatment to which British traders and their representatives are subjected?
§ Mr. ACLANDMy attention has been called to the matter. My latest information is to the effect that the Persian Government are taking all possible steps for the removal of the boycott in the one remaining instance at Shiraz. All other cases have been dealt with satisfactorily.
§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Mr. Sharp, the British Consul, whose escort was recently attacked with fatal results, is to be afforded compensation; and if he will state what further steps are being taken to safeguard the roads in Persia?
§ Mr. ACLANDHis Majesty's Government intend to demand from the Persian Government compensation for the attack on Mr. Smart and his escort. With regard to the second paragraph of the hon. Member's question, the matter is still under consideration, but it is understood that the Swedish officers in the service of the Persian Government have elaborated a scheme for policing the Bushire Isfahan road.
§ Sir J. LONSDALECan the hon. Gentleman give the number of casualties and the amount of the compensation asked for?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe casualties in the two incidents which occurred were three killed, one missing, ten wounded (exclusive of Mr. Smart), three of the wounded being probably permanently disabled, and three others with severe wounds. The nature of the animals killed and property destroyed was about £934; and, including this, the total claim to compensation amounts to £4,734.
§ Colonel YATEHas any compensation yet been paid to the British and Indian traders who suffered such great loss on those roads?
§ Mr. ACLANDThat is quite a different question, of which I must have notice.