THE SIAMESE DIFFICULTY.

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1893, Page 7

THE SIAMESE DIFFICULTY.

FBBNCH DEMANDS.

ENGLISH PEESS OBJECTS. Sib E. G-nEY, in the House of Commons, said the French warships at Bangkok had not observed the treaty, though there was reason to believe it was not wilful. He declined to ask France to extend the time for the receipt of an answer to her ultimatum. China is supporting Siam, and Russia is aiding France. 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 OA r er to any other 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 bettered that the attack is really directed asainsfc England. The Siamese Government is likely to pay the money', but will resist tne cession of territory. Siam is seeking the advice of England in the matter. ; It is stated that 500 of the French legion 1 avo proceeding to Siam. Ger ninny is sending two warships to Siamese waters to protect German, j interests. ! The Standard and many other journals slate.that England cannot assent to the territorial claims of France being acceded to. They allege that the French demands would deprive Siam *oi all utility as an independent State. In response to the orders of the Cabinet, Yiee-Admiral Freemantle (H.Ms. ImpeiaeWse), in charge of the China station, is hastening to Singapore to be in readiness should the fleet be required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also hurrying towards Siam, It is generally considered that the Earl of Dufferin's return to Paris is a pledge of peace, and will help to remove difficulties ta the way of settling the 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. The correspondent of the Standard at Bangkok wires that the reply of the Siamese Government to the French ultimatum concedes the territory on the left bank of the Mekhong, including Stungstring and Khong. The Siamese also agree to deposit three miilion francs (£120,000), and guarantee indemnities for the alleged massacre. It is hoped this offer will form a basis of settlement. News has been received that on Wednesday, the French captured the remaining fort of the Khong group, though Bangkok still holds out. In the engagement 300 Siamese were killed and 200 wounded. The Siamese Government has offered to ceede the left bank of the Mekkong below latitude eighteen only, and has refused the demand fixing the limit at the twenty-third degree. France refused to extend the time for receiving an answer in order to prevent Siam from negotiating with England. The Siamese warships are crowded with men ready to run and board tke Jgr^nch ships in the event of hostilities taking a more pronounced aspect, and soldiers are alongside to assist the sailors. The Daily News states that the French Government has annowneed the blockade of Bangkok. The Siamese vessels are armed with quick-firing guns, while the French have the old patters. The latter are anchored in the river a mile apart. Le Temps, a Paris paper, calls on the Government to reject the Siamese offer. , Other French papers allege that England is plotting to seem'tf the control of the Upper Mekhong. Diplomatic relationsbetween France and England are highly strained over the action taken by France in this matter. The Siamase reply to the French ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfactory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory. M. Pavie, French Consul- General in Bangkok, has been instructed to leave the city within 24 hours. The French press declare that England has influenced the attitude adopted by Siam, and express surprise that French cannons are not thundering in Siam before this. France has formally notified the great Powers of the blockade of Siamese ports. The Russian Government are urging the Siamese Government to cede to Eussia theisland of Junk Ceylon, situated off the north-west extremity of the Malay Peninsula, for the establishment of a naval depot.