THE FRENCH-SIAMESE WAR.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11847, 21 July 1893, Page 2

THE FRENCH-SIAMESE WAR.

[By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.] Paris, July 20. la the Chamber of Deputies, M. Develle, Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that Lord Rose'iery, tli9 English Foreign Secretary, had diao'aimed aiiy British bei'ig in Mekong. He mentioned that as Great Britain had been assured that Bangkok would not be bombarded without notice, explanations had boon asked for the meaning of the despatch of English gunboats to Siamese waters. The reply elicited disclaimed any intnation of intervening in the matter beyond protecting British eubjpcta. France, he said, had been unable to exercise further patience, unless reparation was granted for the recant murder of French subjects and the violation of treaty rights; therefore coercive measures had been taken in hand. The statement was received with applause. Latrb. The tone of M. Devello's complaints against Lord Rosebory was haughty. He asserted that the Siamese interpret England's action as encouraging them to rosist._ Develle admitted that it was the intention of the Government to conquer the left bank of the Mekong ; bnt they had no desire to infringe on the independence of Siam. Bangkok is quiet. Some French naval officers ascending the Menam were captured, but escaped. Siam ia willing to deposit money to meet the French claims, pending a settlement of the diapute. It is reported that Develle has cabled his ultimatum. The English Press advise Siam to give France no cause to imperil its independence. If the French ultimatum is ignored, Bangkok will be invaded. France demands an indemnity of 3,000,000 franca, and requires an anßwerin 48 hours, The French Government demand the territory in Siam on the Jeft bank of the Mekong with the islands, and claims the revenue derived from the fisheries in Battamborg and Ankor until the indemnities, both public and private, are paid, and also claims occupation of the Same3e forts or a guarantee of safe anchorage pending settlement of the matters in dispute.