§ 1. Mr. DILLONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make any further statement as to the situation in Persia; whether there is any improvement in the condition of the Northern provinces; what steps are being taken to restore the authority of the Persian Government in the Northern provinces, with a view to the withdrawal of the Russian troops; and whether he proposes to lay further Papers before the Adjournment of the House?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)I have nothing to add to the statements made in this House on the 10th and in another place on the 15th and 24th instant. The state of affairs all over Persia remains in a very unsettled condition. Three large Blue Books respecting Persia have been laid during the present Session and, though Papers will continue to be laid in due course, no more can be laid before the Adjournment.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any hope of arranging a further loan to the Persian Government?
§ Sir E. GREYThe arrangement for a further loan is in connection with the improvement of the state of security in Persia, which I am afraid is not very satisfactory.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs it possible for the Persian Government to improve the security of Persia unless they have the means of restoring order?
§ Sir E. GREYOf course, want of means is the great difficulty, but on the other hand it is impossible to secure a loan for them unless we can be sure that the money is going to be well invested.
§ 4. Mr. MORRELLasked whether any part of the Russian expeditionary force which was sent to Persia at the end of last year to enforce compliance with the terms of the Russian ultimatum has yet been withdrawn from Persian territory; and whether the Russian Government still adhere to their declaration that the occupation of Northern Persia by Russian troops is temporary and provisional only?
§ Sir E. GREYIf by expeditionary force the hon. Member means the Russian troops sent to Resht, Enzeli, and Kazvin at the time of the ultimatum last year, there are now considerably fewer troops at those three places altogether than was the case at the time referred to. But it does not follow that the total number of Russian troops in Northern Persia is fewer, as there have been many local disturbances at other places. The assurances given by the Russian Government, of course, still hold good.
§ Mr. MORRELLDid not my right hon. Friend on the 8th December ask for the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Northern Persia, and are we to understand that the Russian Government still hope to carry that out?
§ Sir E. GREYOf course the understanding was that the troops are there temporarily, while the country is in a state of disorder.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any arrangements can be made for the withdrawal of the British troops in Southern Persia by the enlistment of Persian troops under British officers to take their place?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question refers solely to Northern Persia.