HC Deb 04 November 1912 vol 43 c810
3. Sir J. D. REES

asked whether the Government of India was moved by His Majesty's Government to give its approval to the Trans-Persian railway on the condition that a change of gauge should be provided at the Indo-Persian frontier?

Mr. ACLAND

The Government of India were asked to take the whole question into consideration; but in doing this no special mention was made by His Majesty's Government of change of gauge. The Sociétéd'Etudes was, however, informed by His Majesty's Government subsequently that the question of the gauge to be adopted must be included amongst other questions as to which His Majesty's Government desire to retain their freedom of action.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the hon. Member aware that the statement was advanced as a positive fact by Mr. Morgan Shuster, late Treasurer-General of Persia, in his book, "The Strangling of Persia"?

Mr. ACLAND

No; it is untrue.