HC Deb 24 March 1913 vol 50 cc1301-2
1. Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position of the negotiations for the proposed joint loan to Persia for the purpose of promoting the restoration of order; and what guarantees have been secured that the money advanced will be properly applied?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The present position is that the British and Russian Governments are on the point of advancing the sum of £400,000 jointly to the Persian Government. The only conditions are in respect of interest, repayment, and security, which I hope will be settled in a few days' time. The expenditure will be controlled by the Treasurer-General. A large portion of it is required for the payment of overdue salaries. We have stipulated that some of it is to be earmarked for the Province of Fars.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Will the hon. Gentleman not consider whether the time has now arrived that a more vigorous and determined policy should be pursued for the protection of British traders in Southern Persia?

Mr. ACLAND

That is a very general question, and I do not think I can go into it.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the time has come to employ a few British officers from India, who have some knowledge of cognate conditions, to assist the Swedish officers, who have no knowledge of them, to carry out the policy?

Mr. ACLAND

That is a very big question of policy which does not arise out of the original question.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that an immense amount of insecurity is felt at the present time in consequence of the neglect of the Government to give protection to British traders?

Mr. ACLAND

I do not think that feeling of insecurity is justified. If the hon. Member will be kind enough to refer to the statement made on the adjournment, about five weeks ago, he will find that we have considerable hopes of a great improvement in Southern Persia.

Mr. DAVID MASON

When will the Government come to the House for authority to advance this money?

Mr. ACLAND

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.