§ 10. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement that Russia is quite prepared to meet the views of India on the question of the break of gauge between the Russian and Indian systems in the construction of the proposed Trans-Persian railway, he can now give an assurance that the Indian railway system and the Indian gauge will be allowed free entry into Ispahan and Yezd, and that the Russian system and Russian gauge will not be advanced anywhere to the south of these places?
§ Sir E. GREYShould a Trans-Persian railway come to be constructed His Majesty's Government have reserved their freedom of action in the completest possible manner as regards the construction of the line, which, of course, includes the question of its gauge. It is impossible at the present early stage of the proceedings, to give an assurance such as that asked for by the hon. and gallant Member on that or any other point of detail. This particular point will require careful consideration in consultation with the Government of India.
§ Colonel YATEMay we take it, therefore, that the proposals of the Russian 1026 Government to run their railway to a port in the Persian Gulf will not be acceded to?
§ Sir E. GREYAll I can say is this: that in the matter of the gauge I cannot give a definite assurance. Before any decision is taken in regard to the gauge the Government of India will be carefully consulted. Nothing irrevocable has taken place; nothing irrevocable will take place until we have consulted the Government of India very carefully on this very important point.