THE PERSIAN DIFFICULTY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 291, 3 May 1911, Page 8

THE PERSIAN DIFFICULTY

STATEMENT BY SIR E. GREY. J On March 8 Sir Edward Grey, dealing with the subject of the Bagdad Railway,! stated that the time to oppose the | scheme was before the concession was granted, and it was granted when the Opposition was in power. As to British trade interests, they would be protected by the recognition of equal trading rights on these lines, but if the demand that preferential rights should not be given was unsuccessful, there would be no remedy, unless other concessions! for railway construction could be secured. Britain was not, however, altogether powerless. The railways in 1 Turkish territory were going to cost, money, and if they were to be used to the disadvantage of British trade we could decline to sanction the imposition of the 4 per cent. Customs duties, for which our consent was sought by the | Turkish Government. He should be! sorry to have to withhold his consent,' for he desired to see the new Turkish | regime strengthened. The Government was not anxious to disturb the status quo in the Persian Gulf or to acquire new territory; but if the status quo, was going to be disturbed it would bei our business to take care .that our' treaty obligations with the Sheikh of< Kov.eit were preserved.

AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. j Speaking in the House of Lords on March 22 Lord Morley made reference to Persian railways, and he alluded, to a very important document. He said:' The Shah in an autograph letter stated! that the former promise with regard to' the priority of the British Government! over others in the construction of, southern railways held good, and that certainly whenever a railway concession in the north was given to others immediately a concession for a railway from Teheran to Sinister, or such a one, would be given to the English company. Positively no southern railway concession, the letter continued, without consultation with the British Government, would be granted to any foreign coun-l try. These explicit assurances were confirmed in the year 1900. His Majesty's Government cannot conceal! from itself that the question of rail-! way construction in Persia may involve 1 important strategical considerations, to! which they cannot remain indifferent, but provided that these strategical and commercial considerations can be satis-1 fled by adequate British participation! in any southern railway scheme whichi may be adopted by the Persian Govern-f ment. then his Majesty's -Government would not construe its preferential! rights in any narrow or exclusive spirit.l