FRANCE AND MADAGASCAR.

Colonist, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8062, 5 October 1894, Page 2

FRANCE AND MADAGASCAR.

Paris, October 3. A cable message from Mauritius stat e3 that a blockade has bean declared at all tb c Madagascar ports. The French rauijen' genera! has gone to Tama'.ave. (Reoeived October 5, at 0.45 a.m ) London, Ootober 4. The French Government has denied that there is any intention to proclaim a blockade of Madagascar. It is believed that the French cruisers were only directed to prevent the impoitation of arms.

Tbe French Government has complained that British officers a-e drilling the Hovas. Tha ' Times ' says that England will allow France a free hand in Madagascar witbin reasonable limit?, and that no question in dispute is likely to suddenly threaten the good relations of the two oountries. The • Standard ' considers that France is utterly mistaken if she thinks England will allow annexation for the purpose of establishing naval stations menacing British trade routes, and reminds France that if war occurs tbe usual result is likely- British colonial expansion at the expense of her adven ary. The Hoves are importing large quantities of Snidtra anil maohine guns from America and tbe Cape. They hope to induce Oape Colonists to enlitt for service in Madagascar. (Received Ootoner 5, at 0.45 a.m.)