THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2534, 27 July 1893, Page 1

THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

London, July 23. A correspondent at Bangkok wires that the reply of the Siamese Government to xhe French ultimatum, concedes the territory on the left bank of the Mekong, including Strunstreng and Khong. The Siamese also agree to deposit 3,000,000 francs (£120,000) and guarantee indemnities for the alleged massacre. It is hoped that this offer will form the basis of a settlement. News is received that on Wednesday the French captured the remaining forts of the Khong group. Bangkok still holds out. In the engagement 300 Siamese were killed, and 200 wounded. July 24. The Siamese Government have offered to cede the left bank of the Mekong below latitude 18 only, and have refused the demand fixing the limit at the twentythird degree. The King declares that he only submits to pressure of circumstances, and that he offered to go to arbitration five months ago, and appoint a mixed Commission to discuss the amount of damage inflicted on the French, He adds an expression of regret for the losses the French have undergone. The Siamese warships are crowded with men ready to ram and board the French ships in the event of hostilities taking a more pronounced aspect, and soldiers are alongside to assist the sailors. A German gunboat has arrived. The Times thinks that the country may trust Lord Rosebery. The New York Herald’s correspondent in the East says that if required the Australian fleet will be asked to assist the British squadron in the Siamese waters. The Siamese vessels are armed with quickfiring guus; while the French have the old pattern. The French fleet are anchored in the river, one mile apart. Diplomatic relations between Fr»~ and England are highly stv’ , '" jCe the action taken b* * - me . d °T er matter. •> Franco m thls . fjn. *iie French subjects in Bangkok have been placed under the protection of the Dutch Consul. The French Minister has asked for pilots to take the gunboats out of the river. They are suspected of lingering under pretence of waiting for the monsoon in order to enable the Triumphant and the rest of the Asiatic squadron to arrive. A second detachment of the Foreign Legion has been despatched to the East by the French Government. The Pall Mall Gazette warns France that the English gunboats in the Meuain are able to blow hers out of the water. The Siamese Government has twelve thousand armed men in Bangkok. It is believed that Franco intends to occupy Battambong and Angko. The French Press urges that the King’s Palace should be shelled. The British residents in Bangkok are intensely irritated at the seeming apathy of the Imperial Government. Paris, July 24. The Siamese reply to the French Ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory in Pavie. The French Consul-General in Bangkok has been instructed to leave the city within 24 hours. The French Press declares that England has influenced the attitude adopted by Siam, and expresses surprise that French cannon,have not been thundering in Siam before this. France has formally notified the Great Powers of the blockade of the Siamese ports. July 25. Lord Dufferin had a friendly interview with M. Develle, who intimated that France would not allow a third party to interfere in her quarrel with Siam. The French Minister leaves Bangkok ou Wednesday, and the blockade will be rigorously enforced next day. The Government is sending reinforcements to enable the country to bo occupied and additional warships. It is expected that the forts will be destroyed and the palace shelled. The Siamese Minister is leaving Paris. Berlin, July 25. The Tageblatt says the more troubles France brings upon herself abroad, the more it is to the advantage of Germany. St. Pjbtkrsdurg, July 24. The Government are urging the Siamese Government to cede to Russia the island of Junk Seyolon, situated off the northwest extremity of the Malay Peninsula, for the establishment of a naval depot.