§ 16. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the cost of His Majesty's Legation and Consulates in Persia is shared by the Imperial and Indian Governments; how many British Consular posts in Persia are maintained by the Indian Government; whether Indians are eligible for appointment to these posts; and what effect has the maintenance of this joint financial responsibility for diplomatic and Consular representation upon the relations between Britain and Persia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Consular posts staffed by officers of the Government of India are those at Bushire, Meshed, Bandar Abbas, Kerman, Seistan, Moham-merah, Birjand and Duzdap. Indians are eligible for appointment to these posts. So far as I am aware, Anglo-Persian relations are not in any way affected by the present arrangements for financing diplomatic and Consular posts in Persia.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman just answer me quite plainly without any lengthy statement, whether the Indians who are jointly responsible with us are upon an equal footing so far as we are concerned in this matter? Does the right hon. Gentleman know English?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am not quite sure that I understand the hon. Member's question. I would be obliged if he would put it on the Paper.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIt is on the Paper. You will see, Mr. Speaker, that the question which I have put is on the Paper and in English.
§ Mr. SPEAKERTo which part is the hon. Member referring?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe part which asks:
Whether Indians are eligible for appointment to these posts; and what effect has the maintenance of this joint financial responsibility for diplomatic and Consular representation upon the relations between Britain and Persia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINMy answer, which I hope was also in English, is explicit on both points. Indians are eligible for these posts. So far as I am aware, Anglo-Persian relations are not in any way affected by the present arrangements for financing the diplomatic and Consular posts in Persia.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHow many Indians have been appointed to these posts?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI cannot answer without notice.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf I give the right hon. Gentleman notice, will he obtain the information?