HC Deb 29 October 1952 vol 505 cc1909-10
24. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of British subjects who have intimated their intention to remain in Persia after the withdrawal of the diplomatic mission.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)

Apart from the Staff of Her Majesty's Embassy, only four British subjects out of a private British community totalling over 200 have so far intimated their intention to leave the country. I understand that in general the British business community proposes to remain for the present in Persia.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Have any of these British subjects, many of whom have been in Persia a long time, received any kind of assurance from the Persian authorities that they will not be subject to any interference while in pursuit of their lawful occasions?

Mr. Nutting

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of that.