The French in Siam.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3034, 25 July 1893, Page 3

The French in Siam.

FRENCH CLAIMS FOR TERRITORY

London, July 21. Sir E. Grey, m the House of Commons, said that the Fnench warships at Bangkok had not observed the treaty, though there was reason to believe it was not wilfully done. He declined to ask France to extend the time for the receipt of the answer to the ultimatum. The Siamese have cut the telegraph line between Bangkok and Saigon. The French warships at Bangkok are burning their guni on passing Siamese vessels. China is supporting Siam and Russia is aiding France. 6 July 22. It is stated that 500 of the French Legion are proceeding to Siam. Germany is sending two warships to Siamese waters to protect German interest?. The " Standard " and many other journal state that England cannot assent to the territorial claims of France being acceded to. They allege that the French demands would deprive Siam of all utility aa an independent State, In response to the orders of the Cabinet, Vice-Admiral Freemantle (H.M.S. Imperieuse) m charge of. the China station, is hastening on to Singapore to be m readiness should the fleet be required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also hurrying towards Siam. Bangkok, Jnly 22. The French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including a province which was ceded by Burmah to Siam on the oondition that it was never handed over to another Power, also 50,000 miles m northeaßt Siam, where the French have never advanced. The indemnity previously claimed was only 200,000 francs. It is believed that the attack is really directed against England; The Siamese Government is likely to pay the money, but will resist the cession of territory. Siam is seeking the advcie of England m the matter. Paris, July 22. It is generally considered that £ord Dufferin's return to Paris is a pledge of peace, and will help to remove the difficulties m the way of settling the Siam dispute. The French Government have refused to grant the request of the Siamese Government for an extension of time for a reply to the ultimatum Paris, July 23. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum has been received. The contents of the document are being kept secret. London, July 23. The correspondent at Bangkok wires that the reply of the Siamese Government to the French ultimatum concedes the territory on the left bank of the Mekong, including Stunstring and Khong. The Siamese. LEO agree to deposit three mUl|ou francs (1120,000), ftnd g|»»|»^tpfl 'Ildemnities for the ftUsgl'd masea'ere. |t is hoped this offer will form the basis of a sptUement, ' Bj"ews has been received that on Wedneiday the French oaptured the remaining fprts of the fthong group, though Bangkok still holds out. In an engagement tb^ c hundred Siamese were kill**! and two hundred wounded,. I^CSlved July 24, 10.50 am,) p^m July »*■ The Siamese reply t« the French ultimatum i« r*gar<ie# as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory. The French consul m Bangkok has teen instructed fco leave the city within twenty four hours. The Frenoh press declare Ui*t England h*s influenced the attitude adopted by Siam, and express surprise that Frenoh gannon ib not th.underipg m Siam before France has formally notified the Great Powers of the blockade of the Siamese I ports.