IX

The British-Russian Convention {1907)

On August 31, 1907, a convention was signed by
Great Britain and Russia, similar in its nature to that
concluded by Great Britain and France in 1904. The
purpose of the British-Russian agreement was to
settle all outstanding differences between the two
Powers with respect to their interests in Asia. It
comprises three separate arrangements, as follows:

1. The two parties mutually engage to respect the integrity
and independence of Persia; but, having regard to each
other's special geographical or economic interests, they agree
to recognize certain spheres of influence in that country: a
Russian sphere in the north and a British sphere in the south,
with Central Persia not directly included in either.
2. Afghanistan is recognized as lying outside of Russian
influence. All Russian relations with Afghanistan are to be
carried on through the British government, which declares
that it has no intention of changing the political status of
Afghanistan. The principle of equality of commercial oppor-
tunity in Afghanistan is maintained.
3. Thibet is recognized as under the suzerainty of China.
All negotiations with Thibet are to be conducted through the

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Chinese government. Its territorial integrity is to be re-
spected; neither party is to send representatives to Lhassa;
and no concessions or other rights in Thibet are to be sought
or obtained.
X

The Grey-Cambon Correspondence (1Q12)
Sir Edward Grey to M. Cambon, French Ambassador in London

Foreign Office, November 22, 1912
My dear Ambassador:

From time to time in recent years the French and British
naval and military experts have consulted together. It has
always been understood that such consultation does not
restrict the freedom of either Government to decide at any
future time whether or not to assist the other by armed force.
