HC Deb 09 August 1920 vol 133 cc14-5
61. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give to the House the latest information concerning the situation at Tabriz and Kasvin?

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

Considerable nervousness reigns among the population at Tabriz owing to the proximity of enemy forces at Nakhitchevan. The Acting British Consul is understood to be still at his post, but circumstances may force him to leave. The recent murder of Captain Geard is, according to present information, considered to be an isolated crime without political significance. The situation at Kasvin is believed to be normal. A body of British troops under General Champain is near the town.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

What are the enemy forces?

Lord R. CECIL

I, too, was going to ask of what are the enemy forces composed—are they Zangali brigands, or forces from outside?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

According to my information, they are Zangali brigands.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask what interest we have that we should have armed forces, British officers in danger of their lives, and—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member had better give notice of that question.

Captain BENN

Is not the presence of these forces a breach of the Anglo-Russian Agreement?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I do not think so.

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