FRANCE AND SIAM.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8543, 25 July 1893, Page 5

FRANCE AND SIAM.

REPLY TO THE FRE||CH ULTIMATILM. ' BANGKOK BLOCKADED. /strained relations between * . england and france. |>i«M A»toa'.»tlon— Eleetrie Telegraph—Copyrigbs. Paris, July 23. The Siamaao reply to the French ultimatum has been received, but the contents of the document are being kept secret. London, July 23. £foirs has been received that on "Wednesday the French captured the remaining ports of the Khoog Group, though Bangkok still holds out. In tbe engagement 300 Siamese were killed ftud 200 wouuded. The correspondent at Bangkok wires that) the reply of the Siameue Government to the French ultimatum concedes the territory on the left bank of the Mekong, including Stunstreng god Kliong. The Siamese alao agree to deposit 3,000,000fr (£120,000), and guarantee indemnities for the alleged massacre. It is hoped that this offer vlll form the basis of settlement. July 24. The Siamese Government has offered to cede the loft) bauk of the Mekong below latitude 18deg. only, and has tooted the demand fixing the limit at tbe 23rd decree. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent »ye tho French Minister will leave Bangkok, regarding the reply as ungatiefactory. Siam will evacuate the region ceded within a month. The King declares he only submits to the pressure of circumstances, and that he offered to go to arbitration five months ago and appoint a mixed commission to dincusa the amount of damage inflicted on the French. He adds an expression of regret for the losses the Frenoh have undergone. France re/used to extend the time for receiving the answer iv ovder to I prevenb Siam negotiating with England. It is believed the Siamese hoped the j coal would be exhausted on board the French gunboat. The Siamese war■bipa are crowded with men ready to j mm and board the French ships in tho event of hostilities taking a more pronounced aspect, and soldiera are j alongside ready to assist) the sailors. A German gunboat has arrived. The Daily News states the French Government- ban aunouueed the blockade of Bangkok. The New York HeralcPs correspondent in the Ea&t says that if required the Australian fleet- will be asked to , assist the British squadron in Siamese waters. Tho Siamese vessels ara armed with quick firing guns, while the French have au old pattern. The latter's vessels are anohored iv tho rive/ a i mile apart. Le Ttmp$ t a Paris paper, calls on the Government to reject the Siamese offer. Other French papers allege j that England is plotting to secure the control of the Upper Mokong. Diplomatic relalioua between France »nd Englaud are highly strained over the aotiou taken by France in this matter. The Times thinks the country may * trust Lord Rosobery.