SIAM.

New Zealand Times, Volume LV, Issue 9962, 25 July 1893, Page 2

SIAM.

Its ELHOTiuoTsLEGßiPii.—Copyright.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Paris, July 23,

Tho Siamese reply to the French ultimatum hag been received, but the con tents of the document are being kept secret.

London, July 23.

A correspondent at Bangkok wires that the reply of the Siamese Government tu the French ultimatum concedes the territory on the left bank of the Mekong, including Stungstreng and Khong. The Siamese also agree to deposit three million francs (L 120.000), and guarantee indemnities for the alleged massacre. It is hoped that this offer will form a basis of settlement. News has been received that on Wednesday the French captured the remaining forts of tho Khong Group, though Bangkok still holds out.

In tho engagement 000 Siamese were killed, and 200 wounded.

LATER.

BANGKOK BLOCKADED.

ENGLAND AND FRANCE.

THE AUSTRALIAN FLEET.

(Received July 23, la.m.)

London, July 24,

The Siamese Government has offered to cede tho loft bank of the Mekong, below latitude 18 only, and has refused the demand fixing the limit at the twentythird degree. Tho Daily Telegraph’s correspondent says the French Minister will leave Bangkok, regarding the reply as unsatisfactory. Siam will within a month evacuate the region ceded. The King declares he only submits to the pressure of circumstances, and that he offered to go to arbitration five months ago and appoint a mixed commission to discuss tho amount of damage inflicted on the French. Ho adds an expression of regret fur the losses tho French have undergone. France refused to extend the time for receiving an answer, in order to prevent Siam negotiating with England. It is believed the Siamese hoped that the coal would bo 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 tho sailors. A Gorman gunboat has arrived. The Daily News states that the French Government has announced a blockade of Bangkok.

(SPECIAL.) (Received July 25, 1.15 a.m.) London, July 24,

The Now York Herald a correspondent in the East says that, if required, the Australian fleet will bo asked to assist the British squadron in Siamese waters. The Siamese vessels are armed with quickfiring guns, while the French have guns of the old pattern. The latter are anchored in the river a mile apart. Lo Temps, the Paris paper, calls on the Government to reject the Siamese oft’er. Other French papers allege that England is plotting to secure the control of the Upper Mekong. Diplomatic relations between France and England are highly strained over the action taken by Prance in this matter. The Times thinks the country may trust Lord Rosebery.