§ 9. Sir A. POWNALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the announcement by the Persian Government of its intention to cancel its agreement with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
§ 10. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken by the Government with regard to the cancellation by the Persian Government of the concession granted by them to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
§ 14. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the announcement by the Persian Government that they intend to cancel the D'Arcy concession, under which the Anglo-Persian Oil Company operates its oilfields in Persia; and what steps he proposes to take to protest against such action, in view of the fact that the concession was definitely granted for a period of 60 years from 1901?
§ 17. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take to protect our property invested in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
§ Mr. EDENThe action of the Persian Government in cancelling the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's concession on the 27th November, was immediately reported to His Majesty's Government, who are fully aware of all the circumstances, including the fact that the concession was definitely granted for a period of sixty years from 1901, and contains no provision for cancellation. On the 2nd December His Majesty's Minister at Teheran 1220 under instructions made the strongest representations to the Persian Government emphasising the very serious view held by His Majesty's Government, and adding that while they still hoped that the matter might be amicably settled His Majesty's Government would not hesitate in case of need to take all legitimate measures to protect their just and indisputable interests. The Persian Government were at the same time informed that His Majesty's Government will not tolerate any damage to the company's interests or interference with their premises or business activities in Persia.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre any steps being taken to protect the pipe lines, and may I ask what our relations are with the Sheik of Mohammerah?
§ Mr. EDENI should like notice of the second part of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question. As to the general position, I have outlined the representations which were made, and I should like the matter left in that position at the present.
§ Captain MACDONALDWere representations made by the Persian Government to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company for negotiations before the cancellation?
§ Mr. THORNEWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to print a White Paper showing the conditions of the franchise, the amount of royalties that have been paid, the interest the Government have in the undertaking, and the amount of interest the Government have had?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn view of the serious statement which the hon. Gentleman has made, will he inform the House of the main reasons given by the Persian Government for the cancellation? There must be strong reasons for taking such action.
§ Mr. EDENI do not think that I can go into that matter at this stage. If the hon. Gentleman has not read the Persian Government's statement, perhaps he will put down a question, and I will give the reasons.