FRANCE AND SIAM.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8542, 24 July 1893, Page 5

FRANCE AND SIAM.

. FRENCH CLAIMS FOR TERRITORY. j Tres. -MooUMen—El«___ T-!*_r*j>_—Cop/ri.-----1 IrONDosr, July 21. * Sir E. Grey, iv the House of Coni--1 mous, said that tbe French warships r at Bangkok had not observed the 3 treaty, though there was reason to j believe it was not wilfully done. He , declined to ask France to extend the time for the receipt of the answer to i the ultimatum. > The Siamese have cut the telegraph r line between Bangkok and Saigon. ; The French war ships at Bangkok » are turning their guns on passing 1 Siamese vessels. China is supporting Siam and Russia is aiding France. July 22. It is Btated that 500 of the French Legion are proceeding to Siam. Germany is sending two warships to Siamese waters to protect German interests. The Standard and many other journals state that England cannot assent to the territorial claims o! France being acceded to. They allege that tbe French demands would deprive Siam of all utility as an independent State. In response to the orders of the Cabinet, Vice-Admiral Freemantle (H.M.S. Imperieuae) in charge of the China station, is hastening on to Singapore to be in readiness should tbe fleet be required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also hurrying towards Siam. Bangkok, July 22. The French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including a province which was ceded by Burmali to Siam on the condition that it was never handed over to another Power, also 50,000 miles in north-east Siam, where the Frenoh have never advanced. The indemnity previously claimed was only 200,000 francs. It is believed that the attack is really direoted against England. The Siamese Government is likely to pay the money, but will resist the cession of territory. Siam is Becking the advice of England in the matter. Paws, July 22. It is generally considered that Lord Dufxerin's return to Paris is a pledge of peace, aud will help to remove the difficulties in the way of settling the Siam dispute. The French Government have refused to grant the request of the Siamese Government for au extension of time for a reply to the ultimatum.