§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the number of Russian troops, including consular guards, now in Persia; and how many have been withdrawn owing to the acceptance by the Mejliss of the Russian ultimatum of last November.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)I cannot give exact numbers. There are said to be about 4,000 troops at Tabriz, 2,800 in Khorassan, 4,000 between Resht, Enzeli, and Kazvin, and smaller bodies distributed at other places. With the exception of Kazvin, all these places are comparatively close to the Russian frontier; two regiments were withdrawn from Kazvin last month, and it is expected that a further withdrawal from there will soon take place.
§ Mr. LLOYDWill the right hon. Gentleman state on what previous occasion Russia withdrew her troops from Persia?
§ Sir E. GREYI will make a statement to-morrow.