§ 5. Mr. O'GRADYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Shuja-ud-Dowleh assumed the Governorship of Tabriz on 2nd January of this year after the Russians were in control of the town; whether Mr. Shipley, the British Consul in Tabriz, reported this appointment with approval; whether he is aware that the Persian Government were repeatedly urged by the Russian Government to formally appoint Shiga to the position, but refused to do so, and subsequently appointed Sipahadar; and whether, having regard to the fact that Shuja-ud-Dowleh has been responsible for atrocities perpetrated on Persians known to be Nationalists, representations will be made to the Russian Government for his removal from the Governorship of Naraga and as acting-deputy to Sipahadar in Tabriz?
§ Sir E. GREYThe first three parts of hon. Member's question do not quite correctly convey the facts to which he refers. He will find the Russian attitude and the views of Mr. Shipley towards the entry of Shuja-ed-Dowleh clearly indicated in No. 32 on page 9 of Command Paper 6264, and the Russian attitude towards his appointment in Nos. 200 and 208 of the same Paper, to which it may be added that the Russian Government subsequently acquiesced in the appointment of Sipahadar. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I explained our attitude in this matter to the hon. Member in my answer on the 22nd and can really add nothing further to it.