THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2532, 22 July 1893, Page 1

THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Paris, July 19 The Siamese forts sank a French merchant vessel because she was piloting a warship up the Menam river. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Deville, Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that Lord Rosebery, the English Foreign Secretary, has disclaimed any British interference' at Mekong. He mentioned that as Great Britain had been assured that Bangkok would not be bombarded without notice an explanation ha 4 been asked for ttj.e menul n ß' of the despatch of English gunboats' to Siamese waters. The reply elicited disclaimed any intention of interfering iu the matter beyond protecting British subjects. France, h,e said,was un able to exercise further patience, unless reparation mas granted for the murder" of French subjects and the violation of treaty rights. Therefore, coercive measures had been taken on laud. The statement was received with applause. The Chamber of Deputies unanimously carried a resolution that the Government should take the necessary measures to make the rights of Jiauce respected in Siam. Later. The tone of M. Deville’s complaints 1 against Lord Roseberry was haughty. He asserted that the Siamese interpret England’s action as encouraging them to resist. M. Deville admitted that it was the intention of the Government to re-con-quor the loft bank of the Mekong, but they had no desire to infringe on the independence of Siam. Prance lias demanded an indemnity of 3,000,000 francs, and required an answer n 48 hours.

If the French ultimatum is ignored Bangkok will be blockaded. Siam is willing to deposit money for meeting the French claims, pending a settlement of the dispute. Some French naval officers ascending the Meuau river were captured, but escaped. The French have seized Tchona Island and the Siamese are retreating before the French advance. The French Government demand territory in Siam on the left bank of the Mekong with the islands, and claim revenue derived from the fisheries in Battamboug and Augkov, until indemnities, both private and public, are paid. France also claims the occupation of the Siamese forts or a guarantee of safe anchorage pending a settlement of the matters in dispute. London, July 18. Lord Rosebery, in reply to a question, stated that complete arrangements had been made for the protection of British residents in Bangkok, and more ships would be available if necessary. The Government wers fully sensible as to the i grave importance of the independence and integrity of Siam, which France professed to respect. July 19.

The English press advise Siam to give France no cause to imperil its independence.