§ 4. Mr. MORRELLasked whether the office of British Consul at Tabriz is now vacant; if so, how long has it been vacant; and when will it be filled?
§ Sir E. GREYThe post is not vacant. His Majesty's Consulate at Tabriz is in charge of an officer of the salaried Consular service.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs the present Consul at Tabriz quite a young man—about twenty years of age?
§ Sir E. GREYNo; my impression is that the Consul appointed is away temporarily, and his place has been taken for the time. I ask for notice.
§ 5. Mr. MORRELLasked whether the Foreign Secretary is aware of the difficulties to which the present gendarmerie force in Persia is exposed through the in sufficiency and irregularity of their pay; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of making a further advance to the Persian Government for the purpose of increasing the gendarmerie force on the southern roads pending the arrangement of an adequate loan?
§ Sir E. GREYI am well aware of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers, and last month a further sum of £15,000 was advanced by His Majesty's Government to the Persian Government for the financial requirements of the Government of Fars. I am now con sidering what more can be done to assist the gendarmerie, the reports of whose efficiency, owing to the direction of the Swedish officers, have impressed us favourably.