FRANCE AND SIAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4707, 27 July 1893, Page 3

FRANCE AND SIAM.

THE BLOCKADE. [Special to Pbkss Association.! LONDON, July 25. The Chinese Government is astonished at the French demands, since both banks of the Mekong belong to China, much further south than the twenty-third degree. LONDON, July 26. The London merchants,' by circular to Lord Eosebery, Foreign Secretary, protest against the injury to trade resulting from the admission of the French claims. From the comments of the Government organs there is an indication that Lord Eosebery will not seriously contest the French demands respecting Siam. PARIS, Jult 25. It is understood that the Powers will not recognise the blockade of Bangkok until the Chamber declares war. The Siamese Government has invited a fuller statement respecting the boundary claims based on the possession by the French of Annam and Cambodia. It has consented to pilot gunboats out of the river. A section of the French Press declares that Lord Dufferin has shown unmistakable signs of supporting Siam, and is meeting the French Government with insulting demands, if not absolute vilification. Tbe Journal des Behats recognises that it would be better to confine the claim to territory along the middle and lower Mekong, and avoid difficulty with China and England. Aduriral Humann has sailed from Saigon for the Menam. He will blockade the river with eight vessels. The French Minister has left the city. The French gunboafs are furnished with seven hundred melinite shells. Foreign gunboats are landing parties of men in the city to prevent the dangerous classes pillaging it. The French Press sharply criticises Ithe policy of the blockade, and urges more decisive action. Jult 26. The blockading squadron includes an ironclad, a cruiser and five gunj boats. Matters are at presont peacei ful. The Siamese Government does j not appear to realise the critical 1 position. ) t CALCUTTA, Jolt 26. The British residents in Bangkok ' are asking to have a strong diplomatic ' agent sent out.