FRANCE AND SIAM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10097, 24 July 1893, Page 5

FRANCE AND SIAM.

DETAILS OP THE FRENCH DEMANDS. [Special to Press Association.] LONDON, July 21. Sir B. Grey, in the House of Commons, said that the French warships at Bangkok had not observed the treaty, though there was reason to believe it was not wilfully done. He declined to ask Prance to extend the time for the receipt of an answer to their ultimatum. The Siamese have cut the telegraph line between Bangkok and Saigon. The French warships at Bangkok are training their guns on passing Siamese vessels. China is supporting Siam, and Russia is aiding France. July 22. It is stated that five hundred 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 of France being acceded to. They allege that the French demands would deprive Siam of all utility as an independent State. In response to the orders of the Cabinet, Vice-Admiral Freemantle (H.H.S. Imperieuse), in charge of the China station, is hastening on to Singapore to be in readiness should the fleet be required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also hurrying towards Siam. PARIS, July 22. It is generally considered that the Earl of Dufferin’s return to Paris is a pledge of peace, and will help to remove the difficulties in the way of settling the Siam dispute. The French Government has refused to grant the request of the Siamese Government for an extension of time for a reply to the ultimatum. BANGKOK, July 22. The French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including the province which was ceded by Burmah to Siam on condition that it was never handed over to another Power; also 50,000 miles in Northeast 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 advice of England in the matter.