§ 2. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to state the position with regard to the Anglo-Russian-Iranian Treaty of Alliance?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that the Anglo-Soviet-Persian Treaty of Alliance, which was approved by the Persian Parliament on Monday, 26th January, was signed in Tehran on behalf of the three Governments on Thursday, 29th January. The Treaty entered into force on signature.
The large majority by which the Treaty was approved in the Persian Parliament shows that it has gained the free assent of the elected representatives of the Persian nation. It is a justification of 1156 the patience with which the long and sometimes difficult negotiations have been conducted by all concerned. I should like to take this opportunity of extending a cordial welcome to our new Ally. The full text of the Treaty is being laid as a White Paper. Copies will be available to hon. Members to-day. It will be seen that the Treaty provides for the grant of those facilities which the British and Soviet authorities have considered necessary for the prosecution of the war. It covers, for example, the facilities to be provided in Persia for the passage of troops and supplies, for the maintenance and improvement of the means of communication, and for censorship control. I should also like to emphasise, as is explicitly laid down in the Treaty, that His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government undertake to respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Persia. They have no designs or ambitions which would conflict with this principle.
§ Mr. ManderWill facilities be granted to the Persian Government to sign the declaration made by 26 Sates against the Axis?
§ Mr. EdenIt is open to any Power which intends to employ its full resources in the struggle with the Allies to inform the United States Government if it wishes to adhere to the Declaration.