§ 4. Sir GEORGE SCOTT ROBERTSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has official information to the effect that the coronation of the Shah of Persia has been, or may be, postponed from the 21st July to the 18th September; and, if so, can he say whether the reasons for this change are political or financial; and is it possible for a quorum of the Medjliss to be elected by the 21st July?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the last part, I am unable to express an opinion.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that anxiety has been expressed by all those interested in Persia as to the present state of that country?
§ Sir E. GREYI agree that there is great financial anxiety, but the question of my hon. Friend dealt with the postponement of the coronation. I have not heard that the coronation has been postponed.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONMay I say political as well as financial anxiety?
§ Sir E. GREYOf course sound finance is at the bottom of everything, and if the financial position is unsound it will always cause anxiety.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONWhen does the right hon. Gentleman hope for a change in the financial position of Persia?