Foreign.

Manawatu Herald, 20 July 1893, Page 2

Foreign.

The Commander of the French Squadron declares that the Siamese fired upon his gunboats without warning. France claims that under the treaty of 1856 she is entitled to ascend the Menam River. The Government have instructed . the French Minister in Bangkok to protest against the firing on the gunboats by the forts. News has been received that the French force vcaptured two of the Siamese forts on the Upper Mekong, and that hostilities are* how suspended. The Beichstag has finally passed the Army Bill by &)1 to 181. The Emperor, in closing the session, thanked the Beichstag for its patriotic action .in passing the measure. The Bussian Government has decided to maintain a permanent fleet in American waters. The French press condemns the Government for giving England any promises with regard to Siam. The SaWeiEje* consented to withdraw their troops, and this formed the basis for the suspension of hostilities. - The Paris newspapers comment furiously on the report that a French vessel had been sunk by the Siamese, and the statement that England is supporting Siam also is causing a great amount of angry criticism. The Times says the Bangkok traders are in a state of panic, owing to a doubt as to whether Great Britain is willing to allow her interests,to be destroyed.