THE THREATENED WAR IN THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9261, 25 July 1893, Page 5

THE THREATENED WAR IN THE EAST.

FRANCE AND SI AM.

HOSTILITIES IMPENDING.

THE SIAMESE PREPARING FOR

ACTION.

BLOCKADE OF BANGKOK.

STRAINED RELATIONS BETWEEN

FRANCE AND ENGLAND. Press Association.—Electric Telegraph.—

Paris, July 23. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum has been received, but the contents of the document are being kept secret.

London, July 23.

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 Stung.string and Khong. The Siamese also agree to deposit three million francs (£120,000), and guarantee indemnities for alleged massacre. It is hoped this oiler will form a basis of settlement.

News lias been received that on Wednesday the French captured the remaining fort of the Kliong group, though Bangkok still holds out. In the engagement .'SOO Siamese were killed and 200 wounded,

London, July 21.

The Siamese Government has offered to cede the left bank of the Mekkong below latitude eighteen only, and has refused the demand fixing the limit at the twenty-third degree. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent says the French Minister will leave Bangkok regarding the reply as unsatisfactory.

Si»m will evacuate tho region ceded within a month.

The King declares that he only sub

tints to the pressure of circumstances and that lie offered to go to arbitration five months ago, and appoint a mixed commission to discuss the amount of damage inflicted on the French, lie adds an expression of regret for the losses the French have undergone.

France refused to extend the time for receiving an answer in order to prevent Siam from negotiating with England. It is believed that the Siamese hoped that the coal would be exhausted on board the French gunboats.

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

A German gunboat has arrived. The Daily News states that the French Government has announced the blockade of Bangkok.

Tin; New York Herald's correspondent in the East says that, if required, the Australian fleet will be asked to assist the British squadron in Siamese waters.

The Siamese vessels are armed with quick-fifing guns, while the French

have the old pattern. 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 thai England is plotting to secure the con trol of the Upper Mekong.

Diplomatic relations between France and England are highly strained over the action taken by France in this matter.

The Times thinks that the country may trust Lord Rosebery.