Mr. BECKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether at any time the cost of the upkeep of the Persian Cossack brigade in Teheran was partly or wholly met out of funds directly or indirectly provided by the Treasury; if so, what official was responsible for this expenditure; and had his action received the sanction of His Majesty's Government?
Mr. R. McNEILLHis Majesty's Government found it necessary in the interest of peace in the East to contribute during the War and for some time later to the cost of maintaining the Persian Cossack Division, which was the only force available for the defence of Persia against the very serious menace of invasion by the enemy, and for preserving order in the country. The responsibility for the expenditure rests solely on His Majesty's Government who sanctioned it.