§ Mr. BARTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there has been an outbreak of disorder at Kermanshah, Persia, and that rebellious tribes have invaded the town, plundered and set fire to warehouses, and caused further loss to Manchester merchants; and what steps he is taking in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)The Persian Government have informed His Majesty's Minister at Teheran that Salar-ed-Dowleh, brother of the ex-Shah, has entered Kermanshah and looted the bazaars. A message has been sent to him by His Majesty's Minister and his Russian colleague strongly recommending him to leave Persia on certain conditions offered by the Persian Government.
§ Mr. BARTONalso asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he realises that Lancashire trade interests are mainly concerned with Central and Northern Persia; that the position is getting steadily worse; that heavy losses have been and are being sustained by British merchants; and that further shipments of cotton goods have been suspended; and whether he is in a position to give any information for the guidance of traders?
§ Mr. ACLANDHis Majesty's Government realise fully the serious trade conditions at present prevailing in Persia. The Persian Government are taking such steps as are possible in the matter, but I cannot, for the reasons explained at the time, promise to take measures beyond what I stated in the House on the 21st of last month.
§ Mr. WATTDoes the Secretary of State acquiesce in the words "the position is getting steadily worse?
§ Mr. ACLANDI do not think we admit that as we hope there is a prospect of an early improvement.