§ 7. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the situation in Persia?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)As regards the situation in Persia itself, there is little to add to previous answers to questions on the subject. In the North and at the capital the situation remains much the same. The main Southern road is still the scene of lawlessness, and His Majesty's Government have been compelled to retain the regiment at Shiraz. A new Governor-General of Fars is, however, proceeding to his post, and His Majesty's Government, desirous of showing their good will to the Persian Government and of not embarrassing His Excellency, have withdrawn the detachment hitherto stationed at Ispahan. They have also advanced £25,000 to the central Government, stipulating that the sum shall be used for the Southern road. If the hon. Member desired by his question to refer to the recent conversations with the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the general purpose and scope of them as affecting Persia was as described in the statement communicated to the Press at the time.
§ Mr. D. M. MASONMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if he can hold out any prospect of His Majesty's Government helping to bring about a restoration of constitutional government in Persia?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think I should ask notice of that question, because it does hot directly arise out of the answer.