FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4480, 26 July 1893, Page 2

FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

Preparing for the Worst Anglo-French Relations Strained ■**s London, July 24, : The Siamese Government has offered to cede the loft bank of the MekongbelowTatUade 18 only, and has refused the demand fixing the limit at tbo 23rd degree; Siam will within a month evaouato the region ceded. The King declares that he only'submits to the pressure of circumstances, and that ho offered to go to arbitration five montliß ago, and appoint a mixed; commission to discuss theamouutofdnmige inflicted on the Frenoh. He adds an expression of regret for the losses the French hoTe undergone. It is believed the Siamese hoped that the coal would be esheueted on board the Frenoh gunboats, Tho Siamese gunboats aro 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. The New York Horald's correspond dent in the East says that, if required, I the Australian fleet will 1 be asked to assist the British squadron inSia. mess waters. The Siamese vessels are armed with quick-firing guns of the old pattfcg, The latter are anohored in the river a mile apart. Diplomatic relations between Franoe and Great Britain are highly strained over the action taken by France in this mutter, The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory. M. Pavie,French Consul-Generalat Bangkok, has' been instructed to leaye the city within 24 hours. The French press declares that Great Britain hasinflnenoed the attitude adopted by Siam, and expresses surprise that the French cannon are not thundering in Siam befofcthis. France has formally not|fe the Great Powers of the blockade of the Siamese ports.