§ Mr. RICEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state whether the Russian troops have now left Persia, and, in the event of their not having done so, what troops still remain; and what is the reason for their still remaining in the country?
§ Sir E. GREYAs regards the first part of the hon. Member's question, I have no information subsequent to that contained in the reply returned to the hon. Member for Darlington on 7th April As regards the second part, the state of public order in the north of Persia is not, in the opinion of the Russian Government, such as to justify the immediate withdrawal of all the troops, but I understand that their numbers may shortly be reduced.
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§ Mr. RICEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a joint note from the British and Russian Governments had recently been presented to the Persian Government in which it is sought to restrict in any, and, if so, in what, way the freedom of action of the Persian Government in respect of the granting by that Government of internal concessions in that country?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not in a position to make any statement at present with regard to communications which have recently passed between the British and Russian Governments and the Persian Government.