Sunday, March 9, 2014

The Record Union, 22 July 1893: FRANCO-SIAMESE TROUBLE.


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.

No comments:

Post a Comment