HC Deb 28 June 1920 vol 131 cc18-9
25. Major GLYN

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what, if any, are the naval and military obligations of Great Britain towards Persia involved, directly or indirectly, in the Anglo-Persian Treaty, 1919–20; whether the Admiralty and War Office were consulted as to the cost arising from such obligations; and what is the estimated cost of such services apart from establishments maintained in Mesopotamia which are included in the same vote?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the text of the Anglo-Persian Agreement of 9th August, 1919, which has been laid (Cmd. 300), from which he will see all the commitments which His Majesty's Government have undertaken. These do not involve naval or military obligations towards Persia.

Major GLYN

May I ask if it is inaccurate to state that we have large commitments in Persia?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter on which the hon. and gallant Member can form his own opinion.

The PRIME MINISTER

The question says "naval and military."

73. Major MACKENZIE WOOD

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a statement by M. Fleurian that the Anglo-Persian agreement not having been submitted to the League of Nations, that body is not competent to deal with the Persian problem; and whether the Secretary of State accepts this view?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

My attention has been called to an allegation to this effect which appeared in the French Press and was reproduced in the London Press of 16th June. There is, however, no foundation for the report that M. de Fleurian said any such thing.

74. Major HAYWARD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Persian agreement has been submitted to or approved by the Council of the League of Nations; and whether this agreement, alleged by the Russian Government to be endangering the peace of the world, will be reviewed under Article XIX. of the covenant?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

His Majesty's Government have been waiting to communicate the agreement to the League of Nations until they have been informed of its approval by the Persian Parliament. In reply to the second question, I am not in a position to say what action may or may not be taken by the League of Nations in any particular matter.

Lord R. CECIL

Is it necessary to wait for the approval of the Persian Parliament before submitting the agreement to the League of Nations, and would it not be of considerable advantage, both financial and political, not to wait?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I think it is by agreement between the two Governments.

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