SIAM.

New Zealand Times, Volume LV, Issue 9958, 20 July 1893, Page 2

SIAM.

Bt Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, July 18,

Lord Rosebery, in reply to a question in the House of Lords, stated that complete arrangements had been made for the protection of the British residents in Bangkok, and more ships would bo available if necessary. Lord Rosebery said the Government was fully sensible of the grave importance of the independence and the integrity of Siam, which France professed to respect.

Paris, ,7 ulv IS.

The Siamese forts sank a French merchant vessel because she was piloting a warship up tne Mctmm River. The French Government deny that they d'sowned the action of Admiral Humaun in entering the river with warships. The Parisian press is violently agitated, and declares that Great Britain h trying to exercise veiled protection over Siam.

Figaro says the French Colonial Office will demand the concession of the entire left bank of the Mekong River, and the provinces of Battambang and Angkor, and also the payment of an indemnity to the relatives of the victims by the recent massacre by r the Siamese. Calcutta, July 18.

The British residents in Bangkok are much alarmed at the French action, and are leaving the city.

(Received July 30, 7 p.m.) Paris, July IS. The Chamber of Deputies unanimously carried a resolution that the Government should take the necessary measures to make the rights of Franco respected in Siam.

(Received July 20, 1,15 a.m.) Paris, July 10,

In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Dovelle, Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that Lord Rosebery, the English Foreign Secretary, had disclaimed any British being in Mekong.

He mentioned that as Great Britain had been assured that Bangkok would not be bombarded without notice, explanations had been asked for the meaning of the despatch of English gunboats toSiamcso waters. The reply elicited disclaimed any intention of intervening in the matter beyond protecting British subjects. France, he said, had been unable to exercise further patience, unless reparation was granted for the recent murder of French subjects and the violation of treaty rights ; therefore coercive measures had been taken in hand. The statement was received with applause.