THE DIFFICULTY IN SIAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2059, 10 August 1893, Page 16

THE DIFFICULTY IN SIAM.

(Per PfcESS Association.) London, August" 1. The Standard's Paris correspondent says that Lord Dufferin and M. Develle have signed a protocol settling tbe differences over Siamese boundaries, and arranging for a, neutral zone. Lord Dufferin returns to England tomorrow. The Daily News correspondent at Bangkok says that Admiral Hermann has issued orders for a fresb blockade, and ordered the Pallas and Swift to withdraw. It is feared that the French intend to attack Bangkok and hold the city as a guarantee. gir E. Grey, when questioned in the House

of Commons, said that tbe Government had not received confirmation of the report that the blockade had been raised, but he declined to enter into details. The Paris papers confirm the statement in tbe Standard as to the settlement, but tbe Bangkok correspondent of The Times, wiring to-day, says it is feared that the French Admiral is acting on divergent orders. It is officially stated Siam has agreed to give tbe guarantees demanded by France. Admiral Hermann is demanding the cession of the port of Chantiboun as a guarantee. Much alarm is said to be felt in Bangkok in consequence. August 7. The French flag has been lowered at Kobchichang and the Siamese ensign reinstated. The Siamese have ratified the concessions, and will facilitate the occupation of Ohantatoun by France. Tbe King of Cambodia, over which the French exercise a protectorate, threatens to reconquer Sattenbong unless France compels Siam to restore it to him. Pabis, August 1. It is officially announced that the blockade of Slam includes half of Tuang Prabang, on tbe MekoDg, but no islands in the Gulf of Siara. No Siamese forces are to be maintained at Battanbong, nor are any warships to "be kept on the Great Lake on Mekong. Bangkok, August 4. The captain of a French warship has, at the instance of Admiral Humann, in charge of the French squadron, apologised to the captain of H.M.S. Pallas for rudely ordering him. outßide tbe limit of the blockade set up by France.