THE SIAMESE QUESTION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7270, 26 July 1893, Page 3

THE SIAMESE QUESTION.

(Pee Electric Telegraph—Copvright.)

(Special to Press Association,)

London, July 25.

The French subjects in Bangkok have been placed under the protection of the Dutch Consul.

The French Minister has asked for pilots to take the gunboats out of the river. They are suspected of lingering under pretence of waiting for the monsoon in order to enable the Triomphant and the rest of the Asiatic squadron to arrive. A second detachment of the Foreign Legion has been despatched to the East by the French Government, The Pall Mall Gazette warns France that the English gunboats in the Menam are able to blow hers out of the water. The Siamese Government has 12,000 armed men in Bangkok. It is believed that France intends to occupy Battambong and Angko. The French Press urges that the King’s palace should be shelled.

The British residents in Bangkok are intensely irritated at the seeming apathy of the Imperial Government,

Paris, July 25

Lord Duffotin had a friendly interview with M. Develle, who intimated that France would not allow a third party to interfere in her quarrel with Siam. The French Minister leaves Bangkok on Wednesday, and the blockade will be rigorously enforced next day. The Government is sending reinforcements to enable the country to be occupied and additional warships. It is expected that the forts will be destroyed and the palace shelled. The Siamese Minister is leaving Paris. Berlin, July 20. The Tagehlatt says that the more troubles France brings upon herself abroad, the more it is to the advantage of Germany.