FRANCE AND SIAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4704, 24 July 1893, Page 3

FRANCE AND SIAM.

[Special to Pbess Association.] LONDON, July 22. It is stated that five hundred of the French Legion are proceeding to Slam. Germany is sending two warships to Siamese waters to protect German interests. The Standard and many other journals state thnfc England cannot assent to the territorial claims of Prance being acceded %o t They allege that the French

i demands would deprive Siam of all utility as an independent State. In response to the orders of the : Cabinet, Vice ■ Admiral Preemantle ; (H.H.S. Imperieuse), in charge o£ the 1 China Btation, is hastening on to Singapore to be in readiness should I the fleet be required. The greater portion of the Chinese fleet is also j hurrying towards Siam. ] LONDON, Jttlt 23. J News has been received that on : "Wednesday, the French captured the remaining forts of the Khong group, : though Bangkok still holds out. In ; the engagement, 300 Siamese were : killed and 200 wounded. j A correspondent at Bangkok wires : that the reply of the Siamese Govern- ; menfc to the French ultimatum con- j cedes territory on the left bank of the ! Mekong, including Stimstreng and j Khong. The Siamese also agree ; to deposit three million francs ! (.£120,000), and to guarantee indem- j nities for the alleged massacre. It is hoped that this offer will form the basis of a settlement. BANGKOK, Jtjly 22. The French demands embrace the cession of 95,000 square miles, including the province which was ceded by Burmah to Siam on condition that it was never handed over to another i Power ; also 50,000 miles in North- ' east Siam, where the French have never advanced. The indemnity previously claimed was only 200,000 francs. It is believed that the attack is really directed against England. The : Siamese Government is likely to pay the money, but will resist the cession of territory. Siam is seeking the advice of England in the matter. PARIS, July 22. It is generally considered that the Earl of Dufferin's return to Paris is a pledge of peace, and will help to i remove the difficulties in the way of settling the Siam dispute. The French Government has refused to grani the request of the j Siamese Government for an extension of time for a reply to the ultimatum. PAEIS, July 23. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum has been received, but the contents of the document are being kept secret.