England and France

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 14, 17 July 1893, Page 2

England and France

TROUBLE OVER SIAM. H*BB FBBBS ASSOCIATION.] London, July 15. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone stated that the Government were waiting for an explanation from the French Government respecting the French attitude in Siani. The French Government explain that their orders to the warships not to enter the Menam river arrived too late. In the House of Commons, Sir W. Harcourt stated that the action of tjie French commander was not in accordance with the assurance of M. Develle, the French Foreign Minister, that Great Britain would receive notice of any fresh step with regard to Siam. The English newspapers urge the Government to insist on the withdrawal of the French gunboats from the Menam river. Pabis, July 15. In the Menam engagement the Siamese had 20 killed, while the French loss was only three killed and two wounded, The Siamese allege thattheFrench professed that their intentions were of a pacific character, and that the gunboats forced a passage into the river at nightfall. Bangkok is under arms. The Siamese further state that the commanders of the French gunboats refused to obey the command of the French Minister in Bangkok not to enter Menam River. Both the French and, the Siamese warships remain ready for action. Four thousand troops are garrisoned in Bangkok. H.M.S. Linnet has arrived in Siamese waters to watoh British interests. The Parisian press are delighted that the orders to the commandtrs of the warships not to enter the Menam arrived too late. The commander of the French squadron declares that the Siamese fired upon his gunboats without warning.