§ 44. Mr. Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view 2337 of the fact that the U.S.S.R. has undertaken to carry out her obligations under the 1943 Treaty and to withdraw her troops from Iran, he will take steps to initiate tripartite negotiations between Great Britain, the U.S.S.R. and Iran on the whole question of future concessions for oil and other undertakings in the various regions of that country.
Mr. McNeilMy hon. Friend has no doubt in mind the Treaty of Alliance of 1942 between this country, the Soviet Union and Persia. That Treaty laid on the Soviet Government as well as on His Majesty's Government the obligation to withdraw their troops not later than six months after the conclusion of hostilities with Germany and Japan. My right hon. Friend doubts whether any useful purpose would be served at the present time by initiating intergovernmental negotiations as suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. PriceAfter the U.S.S.R. have carried out the obligation to withdraw their troops would the hon. Gentleman then reconsider the matter?
Mr. McNeilPerhaps my hon. Friend will not think me unfair if I ask him to put down this Question again on that undertaking.