FRANCO-SIAMESE TROUBLE.
Great
Britain Will Not Remain Idle in the Event of War.
CURIOSITY
OVER DISPATCHES SENT TO HER WARSHIPS.
A
London Journal’s Correspondent at Bangkok Claims That the French Demands are
for Nothing Short of the Rule of Slam-That They are in Reality Directed Against
England.
Special to the Record-Union.
London,
July 21.—While there has been nothing of an official nature to justify such
opinion, it seems to be the general belief that England will not remain a quiet
spectator in the event of France making war upon the Government of Siam.
The
announcement of China's intention to furnish aid to its neighbor, and of
Russia's alleged avowal to render naval assistance to France, have added fresh
complications to the trouble, and the probability of a great war, involving
some of the most powerful nations of the world, is being discussed on all
sides.
Curiosity
as to the nature of the dispatches sent by the Admiralty ;to Vice-Admiral
Freemantle, Commander-in Chief of the Chinese Division, has been aroused to a
high pitch, but of course nothing of the facts have leaked out, and any
statements concerning the instructions are naturally based upon surmise pure and
simple.
In
the Commons to-day the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs said the terms
of the ultimatum sent by France to Siam as contained in a telegram from Bangkok
agreed with those communicated to Great Britain by France, though more in
detail. He could not at present say in what sense or with what geographical
limitations the French demand had been made, The Government expected early
information from Lord Dufferin, Embassador to Fiance.
The
Government could not at present announce any definite steps to be taken in the
matter, but was most decidedly desirous of the friendly settlement of the
dispute.
Ashmead Bartlett pressed the Government to
obtain an extension of the period granted in Franco's ultimatum.
The
Secretary said he did not think such interference would conduce to a friendly
settlement. [Cries of "Hear, hear."]
Bartlett
suggested that France's threat might become an accomplished fact before Great
Britain received France's answer.
The Secretary replied that Great Britain was
only interested in the territorial arrangements, and on this the Government is still
in communication with France. No geographical limitations had yet been laid
down.
WIRES DOWN.
Saigon,
July 21— The land telegraph wires between this city and Bangkok, have been cut
by the Siamese. This will cause some delay in the transmission of dispatches to
the French warships at Bangkok, as all the messages will have to be sent via
Singapore, -Madras and Calcutta, thence through Burmah and down the Bay of
Bengal, and so on, over a line that extends northeasterly from Bangkok to Elephant
Point.
FRANCE’S ULTIMATUM.
Bangkok, July 21.—Pavie, French Minister
resident, handed the ultimatum to Prince Devawongse, Siamese Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Friday, he announced that in case France's demand was refused,
he would at once leave Bangkok to board a gunboat, and blockade the Siamese
coast, He added that war would be declared at once. The opinion is general here
that Siam will pay in full the indemnity demanded by France.
lt is doubtful, however, if the French claims
for territory will be allowed. Much depends on the response of Great Britain to
the effort Siam is making to gain moral or material support.
AN INDIRECT ATTACK ON ENGLAND.
London, July 21—A Bangkok correspondent of the
Times says, concerning France's ultimatum : "Europe, and especially Great Britain, should know that the French
territorial demand represents 95,000 square miles. It includes a province that
Burmah ceded to Siam on condition that it never be ceded to any other power,
and 50,000 miles of Northeastern Siam, into which Franco have never advanced. In
fact, France demands the dismemberment and ruin of Siam. These French demands
confirm what I stated from the outset, namely, France's attack on Siam is in
reality directed against England, although that country has hitherto been loyal
and friendly to her in Siamese affairs."
FRENCH SOLDIERS GOING To SIAM
Algiers, July 21.—Five hundred of the foreign
legion of the French army have sailed for Siam.
BEGGED TO CEASE FIRING.
Paris, July 21.— Temps’ special correspondent
in Siagon says: The Siamese Chief, Priapitcha, commanding at Khong, sent a flag
of truce on Tuesday to the French Captain, begging him to cease firing, as,
according to Priapitcha's advices from Bangkok, the French Admiral arrived
there to treat for peace. The Captain replied that he was without instructions,
but would cease as soon as the Siamese forts were abandoned. The result is
unknown in Saigon.
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