FRANCE AND SIAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 16

FRANCE AND SIAM.

(Peb Press Association.)

London, July 13.

The Siamese will not permit French ships to enter the Merram river, and are preparing batteries to sink them if they attempt to do so. Pakis, July 14. News has been received that the French gunboats Inconstant and Oomte have entered the Mepam river, in Siam, and exchanged shots with the forts. The French loss was one killed and two wounded. The gunboats are now anchored cff Bankok. The Siamese have declared that the French have violated the assurance they gave not to enter the river.

July 15. In the Menam engagement the Siamese had 20 killed, while the French loss was only three killed and two wounded. The Siamese allege that the French professed their intentions were of a pacific character, and that the gunboats forced a passage into the. river at nightfall. Bankok is under arms. The Siamese further state that the commanders of the French gunboats refused to obey the commands of the French Minister in Bankok not to enter the Menam river. Both the French and Siamese warships remain ready for action, and 4000 troops are garrisoned in Bankok.

H.M.S. Linnet has arrived in Siamese waters to watch British interests.

July 16. France claims that under the treaty of 1856 she is entitled to ascend the Menam river.

The commander of the French squadron declares that the Siamese fired on his gunboats without any warning The Government have instructed the French Minister in Bankok to protest against firing on gunboats by the forts.

News has been received that a French force captured two of the Siamese forts on the upper Mekong, and that hostilities are now suspended.

July 17. The French press condemn the Government for giving England any promises with regard to Siam. The Siamese have consented to withdraw their troops, and this formed the basis for the suspension of hostilities. The Paris newspapers comment furiously on the report that a French vessel had been sunk by the Siamese, and the statement that England is supporting Siam iB also causing a great amount of angry criticism.

London, July li. In the House of Commons "to-day Mr Gladstone stated that the Government were waiting an explanation from the French Government respecting the French attitude in Siam.

July 15. The French Government explain that their orders to warships not to enter the river arrived too late. In the House of Commons Sir W. V. Harcourfc stated that the action of the French commander was not in accord? ance with the assurance of M. Develle, French Foreign Minister, who had stated that Great Britain would receive notice of any fresh step with regard to Siam. The Eoglish newspapers urge the Government to insist on the withdrawal of the French gunboats from the Menam river.

The Parisian press is delighted that the orders to the commanders of the warships not to enter the Menam arrived too late.

July 17. ■ The Times states that the Bankok traders are in a state of panic owing to a doubt as to whether Great Britain is willing to allow their interests to be destroyed.