§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for War how many British 1561W troops are still retained in North-West and North-East Pensia, respectively, and what is the role allotted to each of these forces; and whether any part of the cost of either of these forces falls upon Persian or Indian revenues, or is the whole cost borne by the British Exchequer?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe force in North East Persia is in process of withdrawal, and there now remains at Meshed only a small consular escort. The cost of this escort is a matter for the Foreign Office, but I understand a portion of the charge falls upon India. The force in North-West Persia now numbers about 3,600, for which the cost at present falls entirely on Army Estimates.