THE FRENCH IN SIAM

Temuka Leader, Issue 2535, 29 July 1893, Page 1

THE FRENCH IN SIAM

London, July 25. The Chinese Government are astonished at the French demands, since both banks of the Mekong belong to China much further south than the twenty-third degree. July 26. London merchants by a circular to Lord Rosebery, the Foreign Secretary, protest against the injury to tra“d'e resulting from admission of the French claims. From the comments of Government organs there is an indication that Lord Lord Rosebery will not seriously contest the French demands respecting Siam. Admiral Freemautle has sent the Plover to join the Pallas, Linnet, and Swift in the Menam. The Paris correspondent of the Times says that the French Government, folowing the precedent in Tonquin, does not intend to declare war formally. Paris, July 25. It is understood that the Powers will not recognise the blockade of Bangkok until the Chamber declare war. The Siamese Government have invited a fuller statement respecting the boundary claims, based on the • possession by the French of Anam and Cambodia. The Government have consented to pilot the gunboats out of the river. A section of the French press declare that Lord Dufferin has shown unmistakeable signs of supporting Siam, and is meeting the French Government with an insulting demand, if not an absolute vilification. The Journal des Debats recognises that it would be better to confine the French claim to territory along the middle and lower Mekong, and avoid difficulty with China and England. Admiral Humann has sailed from Saigon for Menam. He will blockade the river with eight vessels. Three gunboats are furnished with seven hundred melinite shells. Foreign gunboats are landing parties of men in the city to prevent the dangerous classes pillaging it. The French press sharply criticise the policy of blockade, and urge more decisive action, Matters are at present peaceful. The Siamese Government do not appear to realise their critical position. July 27. The Foreign Minister of Siam has informed M. Paul, the French Minister at Bangkok, that he was astonished that the reply to the Ultimatum was regarded as a refusal. The Chinese Embassy has informed M. Develle that Siam has no territory east of Mekong, so far as the 23rd degree. If war is declared against Siam, it is expected that the Black Flags will attack Tonquin. France will occupy the islands in tfte Gqlf of Siaqi, aqd has already seized as a base of operations. The blockade will probably extend to the whole northern part of the gulf. The French cruiser Edo-' , . , . , xv... will reinforce Admiral ain . llin . Calcutta, July 20. The British residents in Bangkok are asking to have a strong diplomatic agent sent out. The blockade of Bangkok begins on Saturday. The King of Siam has requested the assistance of China. Berlin, July 27. The Germau press declare that England is now likely to regret holding aloof from the Triple Alliance. St. Petersburg, July 27. The Russian press exhorts France to complete her work and destroy England’s prestige in Asia.