§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is approximately the total number of Russian troops now in Persia; how many of these have entered the country since 10th November, the date of the presentation of the first Russian ultimatum; and whether since that date any Russian troops have been withdrawn from Persian territory?
§ Sir E. GREYAs regards the total number of Russian troops in Persia, I have no later information than that contained in my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for Leicester on the 20th ult. I understand, however, that orders have been issued for the withdrawal to Russia of the Russian troops at Enzeli and Resht, and also for a withdrawal from Kazvin; a part of the force withdrawn from Kazvin will remain at Enzeli and Resht, the remainder returning to Russia. A considerable reduction in the force at Tabriz has also been ordered.
§ Mr. MORRELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman know whether any of these orders have been carried out yet?
§ Sir E. GREYThat is all the information I have at present. If the hon. Member will ask me a question next week I will give what further information I have.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Persian Government have consented to the terms of the Joint Note with reference to the proposed loan?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Minister at Teheran has not reported that a reply has yet been received from the Peruvian Government.
§ Mr. MORRELLHas the right hon. Gentleman yet received the exact terms of the Anglo-Russian Note?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not think I have got the exact terms: I have only got a telegraphic summary. As soon as I can get the exact terms of the Note, and the Reply, I will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the telegram from the "Frankfurter Zeitung" in to-day's papers stating that the Persian Government has sent replies to the Note to both the British and Russian Embassies, and that they have been returned unopened?
§ Sir E. GREYI have not seen that report: I have not heard of any such occurrence.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODThe "Manchester Guardian."
§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the ex-Shah is still in Persia; and, if so, what steps are being taken to secure his withdrawal?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Minister reported on the 2nd that the ex-Shah had left Persia.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could say whether and, if so, when the Mejliss would again be summoned?
§ Sir E. GREYI have no information on the subject.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the terms of the present appointment of M. Mornard; whether it is proposed to make it permanent; and whether the Persian Government protested against the appointment?
§ Sir E. GREYI will send to the hon. Member a copy of the Decree of 6th 182 January, appointing M. Mornard provisionally Treasurer - General. It is of considerable length. As regards the second point, I have nothing to add to the statement that I made on the 21st ultimo, to which I would refer the hon. Member. With regard to the third point, the Persian Minister in London intimated verbally some time ago objections on the part of his Government, but I have received no official protest from them.
§ Mr. MORRELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman know whether the Persian Government still protests against the appointment of M. Mornard?
§ Sir E. GREYThey have not renewed the verbal objection they made some time ago, and they have not followed that up with any official protest.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government have withdrawn or modified the demand for an indemnity contained in the second ultimatum presented to Persia on the 29th November; and, if so, to what extent?
§ Sir E. GREYI have no recent information on this subject.
§ Mr. MORRELLMay I take it that the right hon. Gentleman adheres to the declaration he made in December?
§ Sir E. GREYYes, that holds good still.