FRANCE AND SIAM.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7270, 25 July 1893, Page 1

FRANCE AND SIAM.

(Pee Electric Telegraph—Cop? eight.)

(Per Press Association.)

(.Received 1 a.m„ July 25th.)

London, July 23.

The Siamese Government have offered to cede the left bank of the Mekong below latitude 18 only, and have refused the demand fixing the limit at the twenty* third degree.

The Daily lelegrajph’s correspondent says that the French Minister will leave Bangkok, regarding the reply as unsatisfactory ; and that Siam will evacuate the region ceded within a month. The King declares that he only submits to pressure of circumstances, and that he offered to go to arbitration five months ago, and appoint a mixed Commission to discuss the amount of damage inflicted on the French. He adds an expression of regret for the losses the French have undergone. France has refused to extend the time for receiving an answer in order to prevent Siam negotiating with England. It is believed that the Siamese hoped that the coal would be exhausted on board the French gunboat.

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 the sailors. A German gunboat has arrived. The Daily News states that the French Government have announced the blockade 1 of Bangkok. (Special to the Press Association) Received 1.15 a,m„ JJoly 25th.) London, July 24. TheiVcwj York Herald's correspondent in the East says that if required the Australian fleet will be asked to assist the British squadron in the Siamese waters. The Siamese vessels are armed with quickfiring guns; while the French have the old pattern. The French fleet are anchored in the river, one'mile apart. Le Temps, a Paris paper, calls on the Government to reject the Siamese offer. Other French papers allege that England is plotting to secure control of the Upper Mekong, Diplomatic relations between France and England are highly strained over the action taken by France in this matter. The Times thinks that the country may trust Lord Rosebery.