FRENCH DEMANDS INCREASED.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 20, 24 July 1893, Page 2

FRENCH DEMANDS INCREASED.

GERMAN WARSHIPS ORDERED TO SIAMESE WATERS. (I>ER I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.) Bankok, July 22. The Siamese have cut the telegraph line between Bankok and Siagon. The French warships at Bankok are training their guns on passing Simnese vessels. China is supporting Siain, and Russia is aiding France. The French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including the province which was ceded by Buruiah to Siam, on condition that it was never handed over to any other power ; also, 50,000 miles in north-east Siam, where the French have never advanced. The indemnity previously claimed was only 200,000 francs. It is believed that the attack is really directed against England. The Siamese Government is likely to pay the money, but will resist the cession of territory. Siam is asking the advice of England in the matter. London, July 23. It is stated that 500 of the French Legion arc proceeding to Siam. Germany is sending two warships to Siamese waters to protect German in*terests. The Standard and many other papers state that England cannot assent to the territorial claims of France being acceded to. They allege that the French demands would deprive Slam of all utility as an independent State. In response to the orders of the Cabinet, Vice-Admiral Freemantle, with H.M.S- Imperieuse, who is in charge of the China station, is hastening on to Singapore to bo in readiness should the fleet bo required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also hurrying towards Siam. Paris, July 22. It is generally considered that the Earl, of Dufferin'a return to Paris is a pledge of peace, and will help to remove the difficulty in the way of settling the Siam dispute. The French Government have refused to grunt the request of the Siamese Government, for an extention of time for a reply to the ultimatum. July 23. The Siamese reply to the French ultimation has been received but the content of the documents are being kept secret.