§ Mr. BevinI wish, with the permission of the House, to make the following statement regarding recent events in Persia affecting relations between His Majesty's Government and the Persian Government.
In connection with the recent arrest by the Persian authorities of tribal leaders in South Persia and the disturbances which have occurred in that area, the Persian Government, in the light of certain information which they had obtained, came to the conclusion that His Majesty's Consul-General at Ahwaz, Mr. Trott, had been implicated in a plan for a tribal rising. His Majesty's Government, after a full investigation of the matter, have assured the Persian Government that there is no justification whatever for the charges against Mr. Trott. The Persian Government have accepted His Majesty's Government's assurances with good will and the case, therefore, may be regarded as closed.
In this connection, and in answer to allegations which have been made in public statements and in certain organs of the Persian Press, His Majesty's Government wish to make it clear that British diplomatic and consular officers in Persia have categorical instructions not to interfere in the internal affairs of that country. His Majesty's Government have satisfied themselves that no British official 903 in Persia has contravened or is contravening these instructions in any way, and that no British official has given subversive elements any reason to suppose that they could hope for British support. They have no hesitation in stating that all allegations and insinuations which have been made about the complicity of British officials in subversive activities against the Persian Government, are entirely without foundation.
His Majesty's Government hope to see a steady and constant improvement in their relations with the Persian Government. They reiterate their desire to see Persia strong, prosperous, and independent and free from foreign interference in her internal affairs.
His Majesty's Government have noted the way in which both the Soviet Press and Soviet broadcasts to Persia have given considerable prominence to the baseless allegations made against British officials in Persia. His Majesty's Government are taking steps to ensure that the true facts of the situation are brought to the knowledge of the Persian people.
§ Mr. Thomas ReidIs my right hon. Friend quite certain that other Governments are not interfering in the internal affairs of Persia?