FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIX, Issue 181, 24 July 1893, Page 2

FRANCE'S EASTERN WAR.

,$. THE FBENCH DEMANDS. SIAM SEEKING THE ADVICE OF ENGL4.ND. (united press association.) Received July 24, 1 a.m. Bangkok, July 22. French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including the province ceded by Barman to Siam, on condition that it was never handed over to any other power ; also 50,000 miles m North East Siam, where the French have- never advanced. The indemnity previously claimed was only 200,000 francs. It is believed that the atfcaok is really directed against England. The Siamese Government is likely to pay the money, but will resist the cession of the territory, Siam is seeking the advice of England m the matter. London, July 22. It is Btated that five hundred of the Frenoh 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.M.S. Imperi. euse), m charge of ths China station, is hastening on to Singapore to be m readiness shonld 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 ths difficulties m the way of settling tha Siam dispute. The French Government have refused to grant the request of the Siamese Government for an extension of time for a reply to the ultimatum.