HC Deb 27 March 1912 vol 36 cc417-8
Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, while proceeding from Teheran to Sultanabad, Messrs. Moir and Brooks, belonging to the firm of Messrs. Ziegler, have been robbed by Bakhtiaris, Mr. Moir being the British Vice-Consul at Sultanabad; and if it is intended to make representations to the Persian Government with regard to this outrage and insist upon compensation being afforded?

Mr. MONTAGU

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Minister, upon learning of the robbery, made representations both to the Persian Government and to the Bakhtiari Khans, who no doubt will do their best to restrain their men. Sir G. Barclay added in a telegram on the 22nd instant that having received details of the goods stolen from the Vice-Consul he was about to present a claim.

Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked if any compensation has yet been obtained from the Persian Government in respect of the attack upon Mr. Smart, the British Consul, and his escort; and if effective steps are being taken to make the roads in Southern Persia safe for British and Indian traders?

Mr. MONTAGU

As regards the first part of the question, the Persian Government have repeated in an Official Note their regrets at the incident, and have undertaken to pay compensation is a first charge on the next loan (as distinct from the joint advance of £200,000 just made). As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the information contained in the Secretary of State's reply to a question by the hon. Member for Melton on 21st instant.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Do these claims which are to be a first charge on the loan amount to over £75,000?

Mr. MONTAGU

I must ask for notice of that question.