Los Angeles Herald, 27July 1893: SIAM'S HELPLESS SITUATION

Los Angeles Herald, Volume 40, Number 107, 27 July 1893

SIAM'S HELPLESS SITUATION.

She Finds It Impossible to Satisfy France.

Everything 1 Possible Done to Meet the French Demands.

China Protests against the Proposed Confiscation of Chinese Territory, The French Flag; Raised on Siamese Islands.

By the Associated Press.

Bangkok, July 26.—The French minister, prior to his departure, had a final interview with Devawongsee,the Siamese foreign minister, who said his government was astonished that France considered Slam's reply as a refusal to comply with the ultimatum. It was impossible, he said, to accept definitely an indefinite proposal.

 France never had defined her right in Anam and Cambodia, but the king, earnestly desiring peace and a speedy settlement of the whole case, had declared his readiness to abandon in Anam and Cambodia all the posts attached, as well as the territory near them, including Stungtreng and Khong, although these places were admitted to be Siamese.

THK FRENCH BASE OF OPERATIONS.

Saigon, July 26.—The French flag has been hoisted on the island of Kong Samlem, which will be made the basis of future operations. The French government has also decided to take possession of other islands on the gulf of Siam,

CHINA”S PROTEST

Paris, July 26.—The Chinese charge d'affaires had a long interview with M. Develle today, in which he informed him that Siam had no territory east of the Mekong as far north as latitude 23, which parallel is claimed by the French as the northern end of their influence. He regarded it unlikely that the black flags would join the Siamese in the event of hostilities with France, but thought if they saw France and Siam embroiled, the black flags might resume the offensive in Tonquin.

MAPS OF SIAM SEIZED.

 The police, by order of the government are seizing cheap maps of Siam offered for sale on the boulevards, representing the Siamese frontier in accordance with English ideas.

DUFFERIN CLOSETED WITH DEVELLE.

 London, July 26.—A Paris dispatch to the Times says: Lord Dufferin had an audience with Deville this morning. A cabinet council was held this evening, but the utmost secrecy is maintained.

LONDON MERCHANTS ALARMED.

 London merchants interested in Siamese trade have forwarded a letter to Lord Rosebery pointing out the injury by a blockade, and urging that British interests be carefully guarded.