Siam.

Manawatu Herald, 18 July 1893, Page 2

Siam.

News has been received in Paris that the French gunboats Inconstant and Comte have entered the Menam river in Siam and exchanged shots with the forts. The French loss was one killed and two wounded. The gunboats are now anchored off Bungkok. ".•■; i

The Siamese, declare that the French have violated fin assurance given not to enter the river. In the Menam engagement the Siamese had 20 killed, while the French loss was only three killed and two wounded. The Siamese allege that the French 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 tc watch British interests.

The Parisian press are delighted that the orders to the commanders of the warships not to enter the Menam arrived too late.

In the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone stated that the Govern^ menfc were waiting for an explanation from the French Government -res specting the French attitude in Siam.

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 the 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 insy»t'f>n r the withdrawal of the Trench i gVn> boats from the Menani River.