FRANCE AND SIAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2063, 7 September 1893, Page 14

FRANCE AND SIAM.

(Peb Press Association.) Paris, August 29. The French Government, threaten to send gunboats to Bangkok again unless granted control of public woiks in the province of Battambong.

The French are erecting earthworks at Chautabun. The trade of Bangkok is still unsettled. London, August 30. The Times, Pall Mall Gazette, and other newspapers demand that the British Government shall take steps to prevent France from proclaiming a protectorate over Siam.

The Manchester Chamber of Commerce has made a protest to Lord Rosebery, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, against French action in Siam.

Singapore commercial men have appealed to Lord Rosebery to prevent the stoppage of trade with Bangkok. They urge that if the French demands are persisted in they will inevitably result in a protectorate over Siara.

Paris newspapers are assuming a bellicose tone towards England in connection with Siam,

August 31. Lord Dufferin returns to Paris immediately, and will resume negotiations with a view to safeguard British interests in Siam.

News from Bangkok is of a calmer character. China, however, is indignant at the French demands upon Siam, and the Chinese Minister at Paris ia protesting.

September 1. The Times correspondent -wires that M. de Villiers, the French Envoy to Siam, has abandoned his vie lent attitude, and is now conducting the negotiations quietly on the basis of the origiual ultimatum.

The British gunboat Swift has been sent to Bangkok.

September 2. Despite the newspaper agitation, it is believed that the British and EVebch Oabinets have virtually come to an agreement over the Siam difficulty.

Calcutta, August 30.

It is believed France is seeking to drive Siam into overt action as an excuse for proclaiming a protectorate over the country.