§ Mr. MORRELLasked what is the total number of Russian troops now in Persia; and when the proposed withdrawal of these troops, or any part of them, is expected to be carried out?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAs regards the first part of the question, I have no later information than that contained in the reply returned to a question of the hon. Member for Leicester on the 20th ultimo, except that the force at Tabriz has recently been reduced by five hundred men. As regards the second part of the question, considerable reductions may, I understand, be expected shortly.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs my hon. Fiend aware that, according to trustworthy information, there are at present over 20,000 Russian troops in Persia?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe last information which the Foreign Office has is that given to the hon. Member for Leicester on 20th ultimo.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked whether Salar-el-Dowleh is still in Persia, and, if so, with what forces; and what steps are being-taken to secure his withdrawal?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAs regards points 1 and 3, I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the question of the hon. Member for Oldham on the 11th instant. As regards point 2, I have no information respecting the numbers of Salar-el-Dowleh's forces. The telegraph communication with Kermanshah is interrupted.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked when the terms of the Anglo-Russian Note to Persia and of the reply of the Persian Government would be published; whether the arrangements for the organisation of a new regular force are yet completed; and how it is proposed that the officers of this force should be appointed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe correspondence in question will, I hope, be laid on the Table on the 27th instant. As regards the second and third points, I am unaware of any arrangements having been come to as yet, but would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton on the 21st instant.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will bring to the notice of the Persian Government the advisability of appointing some British officers to regulate their forces in the important southern provinces of Persia?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI can do no more than convey the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to an atrocity recently committed by one Salar-el-Dowleh, a Persian notable, who is reported to have seized the town of Kermanshah and burnt the Governor alive, after previously cutting off his legs; whether he is able to report any improvement in the state of affairs that have for some time past existed in that portion of Persia, which is within the British sphere of influence; what is the force of British and Indian troops at present stationed on Persian territory; and whether his Majesty's Government contemplate immediate steps with a view to restoring order and tranquillity and the capture and punishment of the notable above referred to?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative: as is also, I regret to say, that to the second part. There are now some 1,300 British and Indian troops engaged in protecting His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular officers in Persia. With regard to the fourth part, I would refer the hon. Member to answers which were returned to two questions asked by the hon. Member for Oldham on the 11th instant. We cannot take further steps than that.
§ Mr. NEWMANIs it not a fact that this Salar-el-Dowleh proclaimed himself Sultan of Western Persia?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Member refers to certain allegations in the first part of his question, and I have told him we have no information.