FRANCE AND SIAM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10099, 26 July 1893, Page 5

FRANCE AND SIAM.

[Special to Press Association.] LONDON, July 25,

The French subjects in Bangkok have been placed under the protection of the Dutch Consul. The French Minister has asked for pilots to take the gunboats out of the river. They are suspected of lingering under pretence ot waiting for the monsoon in order ||o enable the Triompbant and the rel| of the Asiatic squadron to arrive. * A second detachment of tho Foreign Legion has been despatched to the East by the French Government. The Fall Mall Gazette vf&rns France that the English gunboats in the Men am are able to blow ; hers out of the water. The Siamese Government has twelve thousand armed men in Bangkok.

It is believed that France intends to occupy Battambong and Angko. The French Press urges that the King’s Palace should be shelled.

The British residents in Bangkok are intensely irritated at the seeming apathy of the Imperial Government. PARIS, July 24.

The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory. The French Consul - General in j Bangkok has been instructed to 'iraavo the city within two hours. The French Press declares that England has influenced the attitude adopted by Siam, and expresses surprise that French cannon was not thundering in Siam before this. France has formally notified the great Powers of the blockade of Siamese ports. July 25. Lord Dufferin had a friendly interview with M. Develle, who intimated that Prance would not allow a third party to interfere in her quarrel with Siam.

Tho French Minister leaves Bangkok on Wednesday, and the blockade will be rigorously euforced next day* The Government is sending reinforcements to enable the country to he occupiedlvnd additional warships. It is expected that the forts will be destroyed and the palace shelled. The Siamese Sinister is leaving Paris. BEEliilN, July 25.

Tho Tageblatt says tho more troubles France brings upon herself abroad, the move it is to the advantage of Germany. ST PETERSBURG, July 24.

The Russian Government is urging the Siamese Government to cede to Russia the island of Junkseylon, situated off the north-west extremity of the Malay Peninsula, for the establishment of a naval depot.