19. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, without prejudice to the national interest, he can make any statement as to whether a new agreement has been concluded with 1671 the Russian Government with regard to the spheres of influence of Great Britain and Russia in Persia superseding the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907; and whether any such fresh agreement as may have been made safeguards the integrity and independence of the Persian Empire?
Mr. BALFOURThe Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 is still in force, and no contingent arrangements for modifying its character in any way affect the integrity or independence of the Persian Empire.