THE SIAMESE DIFFICULTY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2487, 25 July 1893, Page 2

THE SIAMESE DIFFICULTY.

300 SIAMESE KILLED.

BLOCKADE OF BANGKOK.

(PER FBESS ASSOCIATION.)

LONDON, Joly 22.

Sir Edward Grey, in the House of Commons, said tbe Frenoh warships at Bangkok had not observed the treaty, though there was reason to believe that the breaob was not wilfully committed. He declined to ask France to extend tbe time for the receipt ot tbe answer to the ultimatum.

Tbe Siamese have cat tbe telegraph line between Bangkok and Saigon,

The Freacb warships at Bangkok are training their guue on passing Siamese vesse/s.

China is supporting Siatn, and Russia is aiding France.

News is received that on Wednesday tbo French captured tbe remaining fort* of tbe Kbong Group, though Bankok still holds out. In the engagement 300 Siamese were killed and 200 wonnded. LONDON, Jolv 24.

Tbe Siamese Government has offered to cede the left bank of tbe Mekong below latitude 18 only, and baa refused the demand fixing tbe limit at the 23rd deg.

Tbe Daily Telegraph correspondent says the French Minister will leave Bangkok, regarding the reply as unsatisfactory.

Biam will evacuate tbe region ceded within a month.

Tbe King declares be only submits tq pressure of circumstances, and that be offered to go to arbitration five months ago, and appointed a mixed commission to diaouss the amount of damage inflicted on the French heads. He expresses regret for tbe losses the Frenoh nave undergone.

France refneed to extend the time for receiving an answer, in order to prevent Siara negotiating with England.

It is believed the Siamese hoped tht coal would be exhausted on board the French gunboats.

Tbe Siamese warships are crowded with men ready to ram and board the French ships, in the event of hostilities taking a more prononnoed aspect, and soldiers are alongside to assist the sailors.

A German gunboat has arrived.

Tbo Daily News states that the French Government has announced a blockade of Bangkok.