The French Difficulty with Siam

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 23, 27 July 1893, Page 2

The French Difficulty with Siam

— . » CHINA OBJECTS TO FRENCH DEMAIDS. WARLIKE PREPARATIONS OP FRANCE. (PBB PBESS ASSOCIATION.) London, July 25. The Chinese Government is astonished at the French demands, as both banks of the Mekong belong to China, muoh fur* ther south than the 28rd degree. July 26. The London merchants by a circular to Lord Rosebery Foreign Secretary, protest against the injury to trade resulting from the admission of French claims. From the comments of the Government organs there is an indication that Lord Rosebery will not seriously contest the French demands respecting Siam. Pabis, July 25. The French Chamber has prorogued in view of the elections. It is understood the Powers will not recognise the blockade at Bankok until the Chamber declares war. The Siamese Government has invited a fuller statement respecting the boundaries claim, based on possession by the French of Annam and Cambodia. It has consented to pilot gunboats out of the river. A section of the French press declare that Lord Dufferin has shown unmistakcablo signs of supporting Siam, and is meeting the French Government with an insulting demand if not absolute vilification . The Journal Des Debats recognises that it would be better to confine the claims, to territory along the middle and lower Mekong, and avoid any difficulty with China and England. Admiral Humann has sailed from Sargon for the Menon. He will blockade the river with eight vessels. M. Pavie. the French Minister, and three gunboats hare left the city The French gunboats arc all furnithed with melinite shells. The foreign gunboats are landing par* ties of men in the city, to prevent the dangerous classes pillaging it. The French press sharply criticises the policy of a blockade, and urges a more decisive action. July 26. The blockading squadron includes an ironclad, a cruiser, and five gunboats. Matters are at present peaceful. Tbe Siamese Government do not appear to realise the critical position. Calcutta, July 26. The British residents in Bankok are asking to have a strong diplomatic agent sent out.