THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2530, 18 July 1893, Page 1

THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Paeis, July 13. The Siamese will not permit the French ships to enter the Menam river, and are preparing batteries to sink them if they attempt to do so. July 14. News is received that the French gunboats Inconstant and Comte have entered the Menam River in Siam and exchanged shots with the forts. In the Menam engagement the Siamese had twenty killed, and the French loss was only three killed and two wounded. The Siamese allege that the French professed their intentions were of a pacific character, and that the gunboats forced their passage into the river at nightfall. Bangkok is/ under arms. The Sjanjese further state that the commanders of the French gunboats refused to obey the commands of the French Minister in Bangkok, not to enter the Menam river, Both the French and Siamese warships remain ready for action. July 15. Four thousand troops are garrisoned ia Bangkok. EL.M.S. Linnet has arrived in Siamese waters to watch British interests. London, July 15. The French Government say that their order to the warships not to enter the river arrived too late. The English newspapers urge the Government to insist on the withdrawal of the French gunboats from the Menam river. In the Souse of Commons Mr Gladstone stated that the Government were awaiting an explanation from the French Government respecting the French attitude in Siam. In the House of Commons, Sir \V. V. Harcourt stated that the action of the French Commander in forcing the entrance of the Menam river was not in accordance with the assurance of M. Deville, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Great Britain would receive notice of any fresh steps with regard to Siam.