§ 2. Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs what were approximately the numbers of Russian troops in Persia on 6th February and on 29th April; respectively; and whether there has been any substantial alteration in numbers during the last three months?
§ Sir E. GREYAs regards the first part of the question, the figures on both dates should have been 17,500 (approximate). I regret that on 6th February the number was given as 13,400—an error due to ignorance of the dispatch of 4,000 men to Khoi. As regards the second part, there has been a reduction of about 900 men within the last six weeks.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan my right hon. Friend say whether a further reduction has just been made?
§ Sir E. GREYThat is covered by the next question.
§ 3. Mr. MORRELLasked whether any serious disorder has occurred in Northern Persia since the formation of the Cabinet of Ala-es-Sultaneh on 11th January of this year; and whether, in the event of no serious disorder having occurred, and in view of the definite assurance given by the Government of Russia at that time as to their desire to recall their troops from Northern Persia whenever order was reestablished, His Majesty's Government will again urge the Russian Government to proceed to carry out their expressed?desire by withdrawing from Persian soil some portion at least of the Russian troops?
§ Sir E. GREYSerious disturbances have but recently taken place in Northern Persia, and I am not prepared to make any 197 representations at present to the Russian Government, who have recently withdrawn 900 men.
§ 4. Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he can yet say what result, if any, there has been from the recent visits of the Regent of Persia to London and St. Petersburg; whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations for the proposed loan which His Majesty's Government desire to facilitate; and whether there is any definite prospect of the summoning of the Medjliss as required by the Constitution?
§ Sir E. GREYI understand that the Regent was satisfied with his conversations, and will soon return to Persia. As regards the second part of the question, no progress has been made as regards a large loan. With regard to the last part, it would obviously not be proper to make any statement until His Highness has consulted his Ministers on the subject.