The French Difficulty with Siam

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 21, 25 July 1893, Page 2

The French Difficulty with Siam

THE FRENCH CONSUL LEAVES BANKOK. FRENCH PRESS CLAMOUR FOR WAR. RUSSIA'S OPPORTUNITY. (PER FBESS ASSOCIATION.) j London, July 24.. | France has refused to extend the time for receiving an answer, in order to prevent Siam negotiating with England. It is believed the Siamese hoped that the coal would be exhausted on board the French gunboats. The Siamese warships are crowded with men ready to ram and board the French ships in the event of hostilities taking a more pronounced aspect, and soldiers are alongside to assist the sailors. The New York Herald's correspondent in the East says that, if required, the Australian fleet will be asked to assist the British squadron in Siamese waters. The Siamese vessels are armed with quickfiring guns, wnile cne Frencn nave gang of the old pattern. The latter are anchored in the river a mile apart. Le Temps, the Paris paper, calls on the Government to reject the Siamese offer. Other French papers allege that England is plotting to secure the control of the Upper Mekong. Diplomatic relations between France ! and England are highly strained over (he action taken by France in this matter. The Times thinks the country may trust Lord Rosebery. Paris, July 24. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the concession of territory. M. Paire, French Consul-General, in Bankok, has been instructed to leave the city within 24 hours. The French press declare that England has influenced the attitude adopted by Siam and express surprise that French cannons were not thundering in Siam before this. France has formally notified the Great Powers of the blookade of Siamese Ports. The Government are urging the Siamese Government to cede to Russia the Island Junkseylon, situate ofi the north-west extremity of the Malay Peninsula, for the establishment of a naval depot.