§ 1. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the survey of the Muhamra-Khoramabad Railway in Persia is still hung up; what steps are being taken to secure the early completion of it; and how far the Russian Julfa-Tabriz Railway has progressed up to date?
§ The SECRETARY Of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to the disturbed state of the country, every effort will be made to proceed with the survey as soon as the situation in Luristan appears to the responsible authorities to justify such a step. As regards the third part, my latest information is to the effect that a train has been run as far as Persian Julfa, beyond which point rails have not yet been laid.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask what steps have been taken to clear the way for the work of the survey party?
§ Sir E. GREYIt is contemplated that the Swedish gendarmerie, who have done very good work recently in other parts, will be able to devote their attention to the Luristan district, with the object of pacifying that part, as they have done in some other parts.