FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 23, 27 July 1893, Page 2

FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

THE BLOCKADE NOT KECOGXISED. | I UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. I Paris, 25th Julj. Tho French Chamber has prorogued, in view of the elections. It is understooi that the Great Powers will not recognise tho blockade of Bangkok until tho Chambor declares war. Tlio Siamese Government has invited & fuller statement respecting tho boundary claims based on tho po-sesnion by tho FrencL of Annam and Cambodia. A section of the French press declares that Lord DufTorin has shown nnmistakablo signs of supporting Siam, and is meeting the French Government with an insulting demand, if not with absolute vilification. The Journal dcs Debats recognises that it would bo bettor to confine the claim to territory along tho Middle and Lower Mekong-, »nd avoid difficulty with China and England. Admiral Humann hao sailed from Saigon for the Menam. He will blockade tho river with eight vessels. M Pavio, the French Minister, and threo gunboats, havo left tho city. Tho Kronch gunboats are fumishod with 700 mclinito sholls. Tne foreign gunboats are lauding parties of men in tbo ci Ly , to prevent the dangerous classes pillaging it. Tho French press sharply criticises the policy of the blockade, and urges more decisive action.

I SPECIAL.) London, 26ch Jnly. Tho Chinese Government is astonished at tho French demand?, since both banks of the ■ Mekong belong to China much further south i than ihe 23rd degree. Pa bis. 26th July. ) The blockading squadron includes anjron- \ clad, a cruiser, and five gunboats, i Matters are at present peaceful. The ■ Siameso Government does not appear to i realise tho critical position. Calcutta, 26th July. J The British residents in Bangkok are ask- ' ing to havo a strong diplomatic agent sent 6 out.