§ 4. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the negotiations for an Anglo-Russian-Persian Treaty of Alliance; whether he is aware that telegrams are still passing unchecked between Berlin and Teheran; that obstruction is being met with by journalists in despatching news to America; and what action he is taking in the matter?
§ 6 and 7. Mr. Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that telegraphic and telephonic communication is open between Teheran and Berlin; and what steps he has taken to ensure that information detrimental to the interests of the Allies is not going to Germany by this route;
(2) what progress is being made with the negotiations for the conclusion of a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Government of Iran; and whether this treaty concerns the development of communications from the Persian Gulf for supplies to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
§ Mr. LawOn 5th December, the British and Soviet representatives presented to the Persian Government the final draft of the Treaty. If the Persian Government accept this draft, the Treaty will be signed immediately. The Persian Government have co-operated fully in the development of communications for supplies to the Soviet Union, and their cooperation is confirmed in the draft treaty. All telegraphic, including wireless, correspondence between Teheran and Berlin has been stopped, and there is no means of telephonic communication between Persia and Europe. As regards Press telegrams from Teheran to the United States, I understand that one such telegram was recently refused by the Persian authorities for reasons which are not altogether clear, but I am not aware that difficulties have arisen in other cases.
§ Mr. ManderCan the hon. Gentleman say what is causing the prolonged delay, in view of the fact that the Foreign Secretary stated on 30th September that he expected before long to bring forward an agreement for a treaty?
§ Mr. LawAny complicated negotiations take a certain amount of time, but I hope they will be concluded shortly.
§ Mr. ManderCan the hon. Gentleman say the date on which telegraphic communication stopped? Was it recently or some time ago?
§ Mr. PriceCan the hon. Gentleman assure the House that everything is being done to improve communications with the Persian Government and Russia and to enable supplies to go through?