(S^orttell HttitteraUg Siibrarg CHARLES WILLIAM WASON COLLECTION CHINA AND THE CHINESE THE GIFT OF CHARLES WILLIAM WASON CLASS OF 1876 1918 "Ihe date sh'^^^P^Kis yoKme was taKen. Date Due \f^ Z (j Hi^l^^ Tssmr^ ti !illAfH-t«». 3ftjj _ ajJ!Ei^ i^ ^H ' ^m^ PRINTED IN (*?T NO. 23233 Cornell University Library DS 575.G78 1894 Correspondence respecting the affairs of 3 1924 023 182 052 \^-\ ■--^ ^/ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023182052 SIAM. No. 4 (1694). CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING- THE IFFAIES OE SUM. Presented to both Houses of Parliament b'tf Command of Her Majesty. August 1894. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HEE MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE BY HABBISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LAND, PBDriBBS IN OBDXHABT TO HEB MAJEBTX. 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TABLE OP CONTENTS. No. -4 6 ■6 7 8 Name. 10 11 12 14 [ ,. ;lo 16 .17 18 19 •20 HI 22 Mr. Gould To Earl of Lytton . , Mr. Gould . . )> )) • • • > To India Office India Office To M. Waddington . . Captain Jones » » To Captain Jones Captain Jones To iMr. Egerton India Office To Marquis of Dufferin To India Office India Office Captain Jones To Marquis of Dufferin To M. Waddington . . felegraphic Date. July 10, 1887 Nov, 6, Apr. 3, 1889 9, May 4, July 12, 24, Aug. 27, Jan. 6, 1890 Nov. 20, July 4, 1891 10, Sept. 21, Feb. 16, 1892 Apr. 6, May 0, 14, 27, July 1, Oct. 26', Dec. 20, 23, Subject. Luang Prabang taken by Chin Haws and people from Muang Lai, who afterwards returned northwards. M, Pavie was present. A fresh expedition to be sent from Bangkok. French will send a force to Muang Lai French officers will accompany Siamese expe- dition against Chin Haws French Ambassador's proposal for neutraliza- tion of Siam. He says frontiers must first be fixed. France does not wish to go to Luanji^ Fraba g Siamese frontiers. Conversation »ith Prince Devawongse. His verbal definition of Siamese claims Siam^e frontiers. Correspondence with Prince Devawon^se, who suggests that a Bouiidary Commission should be appointed . Neutralization of Siam. French Ambassador asks for an answer (see No. 3) . . Frontier delimitation should precede neutrali- zation. Steps taken on Burmese side Transmits map showing approximate boundaries of Siam to north and north-west. What are the views of French Government as to limits on east and north-east ? Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission. M. Pavie's instructions. Defines existing situa- tion. French Commissioners will come from Hanoi via Luang Prabang and the Mekong, and meet Siamese Commisstoners at Bang- kok . . Information from M. Pavie as to progress ot French survey on the Mekong. He has applied for official recognition of French Consular officers on the Mekong. No allu- sion made to rectification of frontier. Any confirmation of report that Luang Pra- bang has been occupied by French troops ? . French proceedings. Transmits explanatory statements by Prince Devawongse and Mr. Archer French have notified their intention to evacuate places recently ;innexed, viz., Point Samit and Tung-Chieiig-Kham French Ambassador proposes that French and British spheres of influence should be limited by the Mekong Spheres of influence. Indian Government object to M. Waddington's proposals. He should be asked for fuller explanation.? Spheres of influence. M. Waddington repeats his proposal Transmits above. The proposal is now more definite. Remarks as to what answer should be given Spheres of influence. Sees no advantage in acceding to the proposal Arrival of M, Pavie. His antecedents. No proposals have yet been made for rectifica- tion of frontier Spheres of .influence. M. Waddington has again referred to the subject Spheres of influence. M. Waddington's fresh inquiries Spheres of influence. States the arrangements with Siam. Negotiations also proceeding with China. Doubts whether any specific engagement between France and Great Britain would be advisable under present circumstances.. ., \^'J. 1 10 TABLE OP CONTENTS. UI No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 23 Marquis of Duiferin . . •- Feb, 7, 1893 France and S'am. Discussion upon Estimates. M. Deloncle's speech, and Under-Secretary's reply 16 24 To Captain Jones > . . 22, France and Slam. Siamese Minister has ex- pressed regret at statements in French Chamber, and denies that Siamese have been aggressive 16 35 M. Waddington 22. England and France on Mekong. Objects to Anglo-Siamese Agreement as being contrary to statement of Her Majesty's Government that British rights would not extend west of Mekong 17 26 To Marquis of Dufferin • • Mar. 8, England and France on Mekong. Interview with M. Waddington, who said that nothing east of the Mekong belonged to Siam 19 27 Captain Jones Te egraphic 10. France and Siam. Siamese protest against charge of invading Annam 19 28 3» » • • Telegrapiiic 15, France and Siam. French Minister instructed to claim east bank of Mekong as boundary of Annam 19 29 97 S» • • Telegraphic 22, France and Siam. French Minister has re- jected suggested modus vivendi until Siamese evacuate posts said to belong to Annam 20 SO To M. Waddington ., • • Apr. 3, England and France on Mekong. No sufficient basis for a formal agreement as to spheres of influence . . . . . ■ . , 20 31 Marquis of Dufferin . . • • 5, Occupation , of Stung Treng. Extract from "Matin" .. 22 32 Captain Jones Telegraphic 6, France and Siam. Siamese resisting French demands . . . „ . . 22 33 « j> • • Telegraphic 7, Occupation of Stung Treng. News confirmed. 22 34 Marquis of Dufferin . . •• 10, Occupation of Khone Island. Extract from the " Matin " 23 35 Vice -Admiral Sir E. Telegraphic 12, France and Siam. Proposes sending " Swift " Fremantle to Ad- to Bangkok . . 23 miralty 36 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 12, France and Siam. What is situation at Bangkok ? . . 23 37 i» )> • • • • 12, France and Siam. Siamese Minister informed that Her Majesty's Government cannot intervene 24 38 Captain Jones Telegraphic 13, Occupation of Stung Treng and Kong Island notified by French Minister 25 39 »> j> Telegraphic 15, France and Siam (see No. 36). Substance of French demands 25 40 To Admiralty • • 13, France and Siam. Concurs in sending " Swift " to Bangkok . . 25 41 ^Captain Jones Telegraphic 14, France and Siam. Siamese maintain original proposals 25 42 ») V • • Telegraphic 20, " Swift " arrived at Bangkok 26 43 Admiralty . . •• 22, France and Siam. Telegram trom " Swift." Siamese preparing to block entrance to river. 26 44 Captain Jones Telegraphic 24, France and Siam. French refuse to withdraw gun-boat. Siamese propose asking United States' Government to mediate .. 26 45 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 24, To urge prudence on Siamese Government . . 26 46 » ' » •• Telegraphic 24,, To point out that United States' Government could only mediate with consent of France . . 27 47 ,t » . . • • 24. Interview between Sir P. Currie and Mr. Verney. Moderation urged upon Siam 27 48 » » • • • • 26, Account of interview between Mr Verney and Sir P. Currie. Mr. Verney said no demands were made by French till after they had seized Mekong territory 27 49 M. Waddington • • 30, England and France on Mekong. Statements made by Lord Salisbury as to desirability of having Mekong as division 27 50 Consul Tremlett • • 9. Occupation of Stung Treng. Reports 29 51 Count Metternich • • May &, Protection of German subjects in Bangkok. Thanks for offer 29' 52 Captain Jones . . Telegraphic 12, Attack on French at Khone 2» [591] It TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. 52* 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 Name, To Marquis of Dufferin To Baron d'Estour- nelles To Admiralty , To Captain Jones Consul Tremlett Marquis of Dufferin . To Count Hatzfeldt . , Baron d'Estournelles . Marquis of Dufferin . . Borneo Company Marquis of Dufferin . . To Borneo Company. . Commander - in - chief, China, to Admiralty Captain Jones Marquis of Dufferin . . To Captain Jones Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Consul Tremlett To Captain Jones Captain Jones Marquis of Dufferin . Captain Jones Consul Tremlett Marquis of Dufferin 81 82 83 Captain Jones Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic May 12, 12, 12, 13, Apr. 14, May 15, 16, 16, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 28, Apr. 26, May 28, 31, June 4, May 6, June 5, 5, 6. 7, May 12, June 15, 17, 17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 1893 Subject. Communicatious with Siamese Government. French Charge d' Affaires has been informed of advice given to Siamese Representative . . Spheres of influence in neighbourhood of Me- kong. Reply as to conversations between Lord Salisbury and M. Waddington See No. 49 Protection of German subjects in Siam. Re- quests that orders may be given to naval oflBcers for Siamese attack on French positions at Khong. Mr. Verney says Siamese Government were not the instigators Occupation of Khone. Transmits newspaper estract . . Transmits article from " Temps," apparently inspired, respecting questions between France and Siam Fighting on Mekong. Capture of Captain Thoreux. French advancing Gwman subjects in Siam. Naval ofi&cers have been instructed to protect Spheres of influence in neighbourhood of Upper Mekong. Acknowledges note of 12th instant . . . - . . Transmits paragraph from '' Temps '' respect ing recent events in Siam News from Bangkok. French blockade ex- pected. British gun-boat wanted Telegram from M.Lanessan. Stung Treng and Khone. Capture of Captain Thoreux. Siamese posts evacuated Steps for protection of British subjects at Bangkok. No reason to suppose that French will blockade French fleet sailed from Hong Kong south- wards Laos States. French Minister proposes that France and Siam should jointly protect Dispatch of Her Jlajesty's ship "Swift" to Bangkok Transmits telegram from M. de Lanessan. Relief of Khone Her Majesty's ship "Swift" Approves No. 67 .. .. .. ^^ To urge Siamese Government- to avoid breach of relations, and to liberate Captain Thoreux French operations on Mekong. Transmits newspaper extract French fleet has left Hong Kong for the south. To endeavour to restrain Siamese from bringing matters to a crisis Seizure of Captain Thoreux. Siamese Go- vernment consider it was justifiable French operations on Mekong. Transmits official telegram DifSculties of Siamese Government. They do not lack moderation Fighting on Siamese frontier Transmits extract from "Siecie" respecting events in Siam Murder of M. Grosgurin. Official telegram aV published French fleet reported to be instructed to sail to Bangkok from Saigon . . , . French fleet. Above report denied officially.* Her Majesty's Government will be informed of any further action Island of Samit occupied 13th instant Murder of M. Grosgurin. Siamese are willing to give satisfaction if story is confirmed French claims. Siamese will not separate these from other questions in dispute . . Page -30 30 31 31 31 32 34 34 34 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 37 38 S8 38 39 39 40 40 40 41 41 42 42 42 42 42 TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 84 To Marquisof Dufferin •• June 19, 1893 Conversation with Baron d'Estournelles. Her Majesty's Government hope not to be drawn into Siamese question. French assurances will be treated as confidential 42 85 Marquis of Dufferin . . •• 19, Occupation of Island of Sarait. Transmits official telegram 43 86 1 a . 19, Conversation with M. Develle as to intention of French Government , , 43 87 Messrs. Wallace 19, Importance of British interests in Siam. Hopes Brothers steps may be taken to protect 44 88 Admiralty . 19, Excitement at Banglcok. Report from Her Majesty's ship " Swift " 45 89 Captain Jones Telegraphic) 22, Advance of French forces. Collision not un- likely to occur 45 90 Messrs. Wallace 22, Danger of disturbances at Bangkok. Several Brothers men-of war should be sent there . 45 91 Captain Jones Telegraphic 23, Siamese have been warned that French fleet may be sent to Bangkok. They intend to block river 46 92 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 24, British subjects at Bangkok. Presumes two ships are sufficient, io protect 46 93 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 26, Occupation of Islands of Rong and Rong Salem 46 94 Captain Jones Telegraphic 26, Only one British man-of-war at Bangkok. A second one might be stationed at mouth of Menam. Suggests that other countries should send ships 46 95 » jj •• May 24, French operations on Mekong. Capture of Captain Thoreux 46 96 Mr. Phipps June 26, Occupation of Rong and Rong Salem 47 97 Borneo Company •• 2f;, British trade at Bangkok will be much hampered. Danger of Chinese riots 48 98 )) )> , , 26, Siamese have begun closing mouth of river 48 99 To Admiralty 27, Ships tor Bangkok. '' Pallas" and " Pigmy ' should be sent there 49 100 To Messrs , Wallace , , 27, Protection of British subjects. Another ship Brothers will be sent to Bangkok 49 101 Mr. Phipps , , 27, Murder of M. Grosgurin. Official telegram 49 102 To Mr. Phipps 28, France and Siam. M. d'Estournelles said that ample assurances had been given by M. Develle, and that there was no idea of attacking neutrality or independence of Siam. 51 103 Admiralty . . 28, Ships for Bangkok. A second ship will be sent, and a third held in readiness 51 104 Borneo Company •• 29, Affaiis at Bangkok. Prospects of amicable settlement 51 105 To Captain Jones .. Telegraphic 29, Ships for Bangkok. A second one will be sent, and a third held in readiness 52 106 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 29, Torpedo practice. M. Develle asks that in- quiries may be made as to instruction of Siamese by British sailors 52 107 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 29, Torpedo practice. Any truth in report in No. 106? 52 108 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 29, Torpedo practice. Inquiries are being made (see No. 106) 52 109 « >' Telegraphic 29, French assurances. Newspapers state that fleet is going towards Bangkok (see No. 8S). 52 110 Mr. Clarke • • 29, British trade at Bangkok. Hopes that interests will not be overlooked . 52 111 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 30, M. Develle's further assurances. Captain Thoreux must be released 53 112 Captain Jones Telegraphic 30, Torpedo practice. No truth in report 53 113 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 20, Ditto. Ditto .. 53 114 To Borneo Company. . • • 30, Ships for Bangkok. A second one sent, and a third to be held in readiness 53 115 Mr- Phipps •• 30, Torpedo practice. Has informed French Go- vernment there is no truth in report 54 116 Admiralty . . • • July 1, Telegram from Sir B. Fremantle, reporting that Siamese have sunk hulk at entrance of river 54 117 Captain Jones Telegraphic 1, Annamite ibrces retreating from Mekong 64 118 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 1, No encouragement ever given to Siamese by Her Majesty's Government to resist French 54 119 Mr. Phipps •<• June 30, M. Develle assured him that the French Go- vernment had no idea of interfering with the integrity of the Siamese Empire, but French grievances must be redressed 55 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page- 120 Admiralty .. • • July 1, 1893 " Pallas" leaving Singapore for Bangkok 55 121 Captain Jones . . Telegraphic s, Ships have been sunk across Menam 56 122 To Mr. Phipps • .. 3, Interview with French Charge dWfFaires 56- 123 Scottish Oriental Steam- ship Company •• 3, Dangers of present situation for British interests 56 124 To Scottish Oriental Steam-ship Company • • 4, One of Her Majesty's ships is already at Bangkok, and two more have been ordered to proceed to Siamese waters 57 125 To Mr. Clarke • • 5, Situation in Slam receiving serious* attention of Her Majesty's Government 57 126 Mr. Phipps •• 5, Has communicated substance of No. 118 to M. Develle . , 57 127 Captain Jones •• June 6, Siamese have decided to surrender Captain Thoreux . . . . . . . . 58 128 Consul Tremlett . , 9, Extracts from Saigon newspapers . . 59 129 Captain Jones Telegraphic July 11, French Minister has notified that two more ships will be sent to Bangkok. Siamese Government protest 61 130 »9 S» >• Telegraphic 12, French Minister informed Siamese Government that " Inconstant " will ascend river in spite of opposition •• . 61 131 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 12, T(? inform M. Develle that Her Majesty's Government do not credit rumour that French Admiral will force his way up to Bangkok. The two additional British ships will remain outside the river ,. . 61 132 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 12, " Pallas " and " Plover " to remain outside bar 62 133 Borneo Company . • 12, Telegram received that French steamers are expected, and that Siamese are blocking entrance to river 62 134 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 12, Hope Siamese will not block entrance to river 62 135 •Borneo Company e • 13, Telegram received stating that French steamers will wait outside bar for a few days 62 136 To Borneo Company . , •• 13, Situation engaging constant attention of Her Majesty's Government . . 62 137 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 13, M. Develle said that ships would remain outside bar.. .. 63 138 Captain Jones Telegraphic IS, Two French gun-boats have anchored at Bangkok 63 139 Mr. Phipps • m IS, ■Letter to M. Develle in sense of No. 131 63 140 Borneo Company • • 14, Telegram stating that two French gun-boats had forced entrance to Bangkok after an engagement at Paknam . . 64 141 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 14, To ask M. Develle to explain the discrepancy between his assurances and the action of the French gun-boats 64 142 Captain Jones Telegraphic 14, M. Pavie had instructed gun-boats not to come up to Bangkok. " Linnet " has arrived 64 143 Senior Officer.Bangkok, to Admiralty Telegraphic 14, " Inconstant " and " Comete " forced way up to Bangkok in spite of M. Pavie's orders, killing twenty men at Fort 65 144 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 14, M. Develle explained that orders had been sent for gun-boats to remain outside bar on the 12th, but that these had not been received, and that Siamese had fired on ships instead of protesting . . 65 145 To Mr. Phipps ■ • 14, Approves note to M. Develle of 1st instant (see No. 126) 65 146 Mr. Phipps • • 14, Transmits note to M. Develle 65 147 Mr. Campbell • • 14, Dangers of present situation in Siam 66 148 M. deBiUe ■ ■ 14. Asks that Danish subjects in Siam may be placed under British protection . . 66 149 Admiralty .. • • 15, Telegram from Senior Naval OflBcer, Bangkok. Interview with Commander of " iVlistic" .. 67 150 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 15, Her Majesty's ships will protect Danish sub- jects 67 151 To Admiralty • • 15, To give instructions that Her Majesty's ships may protect Danish subjects 6T 152 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 15, M. Develle said he had received no information since the 1 3th, but that orders were sent that French ships were not to cross the bar 68 138 )i « Telegraphic 15> M. Develle says he has no report from M. Pavie as to his instructions to gun-boats (see No. 142) 68 TABLE OF CONTENTS. VU No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 154 Captain Jones Telegraphic July 16, 1893 Ascent of Menam by French gun-boats. French lost three men killed and two wounded. Siamese, twenty killed . . . . 68 155 Sir H. Rurabold ■' V 14, Dutch man-of-war sent to Bangkok . . 68 166 Borneo Company « 17, Telegram reporting presence of four French ships. Gravity of position 69 H57 ToMr. Phipps Telegraphic 17, Statement made in both Houses of Parliament . 69 158 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 17. Statement by M. Develle. Ships only went up to Bangkok after unprovoked attack at bar. With exception of demand for cession of left bank of Mekong, French declare they will respect integrity of Siam 70 159 To Captain Jones .. • • 17, Interview between Siamese Minister and Sir T. Sanderson 70 160 To Mr. Campbell . . •■ 17, Answers No. 147. All proper steps taken for protection of British life and property 71 161 Admiralty . , • • 17, Can Danes in Siamese array claim protection ? 71 162 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 18, Has informed Danish Minister that Danes in Siamese army cannot claim protection 72 .163 To M. de BiUe • " 18, Danish subject?, except those serving in Siamese army, will be protected by Her Majesty's ships 72 164 To Admiralty •• 18, Danes in Siamese army have no claim to pro- tection 72 .165 Captain Jones Telegraphic IS, Captain Thoreux will be in French territory to-morrow 73 166 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 19, Siamese given forty-eight hours to comply with French demands ■ .. 73 167 9f )I •> Telegraphic 19, French demands are : (1) cession of left bank of Mekong; (2) 8,000,000 fr. indemnity; (3) punishment of Grosgurin's murderers . . 73 168 >» !) •• Telegraphic 19. French Government have proof that Siamese had time to avert attack on French ships . . 73 169 >» I> • • Telegraphic 19, Debate in French Chamber. Extract from " Journal Officiel " 73 170 To Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 20, To what extent is left bank of Mekong claimed by France ? . . 78 .171 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 20, Ultimatum sent 7 p.m. on the 19th July 78 172 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 20, Terms of French ultimatum 79 173 To Marquis of Dufferin ■• 20, It is desirable that he should return to Paris to discuss the situation with M. Develle 79 .174 Captain Jones Telegraphic 20, States terms of ultimatum. Siamese Minister for Foreign Affairs calls attention to terms of which Kiang Chiang is held . . 80 175 Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 21, M. Develle explained that demand for cession of left bank of Mekong applied to Siam only, and that rights of third parties would be respected 80 17G Borneo Company 21, Telegrams announcing probability of fighting . . 80 .177 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 21, Her Majesty's Government negotiating at Paris as to limits of territorial cession by Siam. r Any rash action now would be fatal 81 .178 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic 21, Repeats telegrams from Borneo Company (see No. 176). Captain Jones instructed to dis- suade Siamese from any rash action 81 179 Captain Jones Telegraphic 22, Siamese accept French terms, but have asked for details as to territory claimed on Mekong River 81 180 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic 23, Approves language used to M. Develle (see No. 185). The interpretation of the terms of the ultimatum must accord with the declarations made by France 81 181 " >j Telegraphic 23, 87 or 93 per cent, of shipping trade of Bangkok is British 82 182 Captain Jones Telegraphic 23, Siamese offer to cede territory east of Mekong below parallel 18°, and accept rest of terms of ultimatum .. 83 183 )> » ' • • Telegraphic 23, Concessions on Mekong -do not satisfy French Minister 82 184 )» 39 • • Telegraphic 23, French Minister has notified Siamese Govern- ment that he will leave Bangkok on ii6th instant 83 185 Marquis of Dufferin . . • • 23, Full report of conversation with M. Develle on the 22nd July as to territorial demands of France 83 VIU TABLE OP CONTENTS. No. ]86 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 164 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 SOS 2C9 210 21i 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 Name. Captain Jonea M. de Bille Petition from Mer- chants &c. Captain Jones To Marquis of Dufferin Borneo Company Marquis of DuflFerin . Leeds Chamber of Commerce To Marquis of Dufferin Marquis of Dufferin . . To Marquis of Dufferin Marquis of Dufferin . . To Captain Jones To Admiralty (also to India Office, Colonial Office, and Board of Trade) Captain Jones To Mquis of Dufferin Admiralty . . . . To Marquis of Dufferin To Captain Jones To Admiralty To Straits Settlements Association Messrs. Samuel Marquis of Dufferin . . Messrs. Wallace Brothers Coioniar Office Marquis of Dufferin . . CaptRin Jones To Marquis of Dufferin Marquis of Dufferin ., Telegraphic Telegraphic Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegiaphic July 24, 1893 24. 24, 25i 25, 26, 25, 26, 26, 26, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 26, 27, 27, 28, 28, 28, 28, 28, 28, 28, Subject. French Minister has hauled down his flag. Thanks for protection of Danish subjects .. Dangers of situation to British interests M. Pavie leaves this afternoon. Blockade will probably be declared at once Interview with M. d'Estournelles respecting the blockade. Inquiries addressed to him . . When must steamers now loading leave Bangkok ? . . . . . Pointed out to M. Develle that he had never " formally announced " that England would not intervene in the dispute Mr. Phipps informed at Foreign Office that ships having loaded previous to declaration of blockade would be given time to depart Interview with M. Develle. He says the ultimatum cannot now be modified. Pro- posal to constitute a buffer territory on left bank of Mekong . . . . Resolution passed stating they trust Her •Majesty's Government will endeavour to mitigate evils of present position Can he announce that French Government are ready to constitute buffer State 1 . . Terms in which Agreement with France as to constitution of buffer State should be announced Buffer State. Exchange of notes desirable . . Learns that blockade will commence on 31st . . Lord Dufferin states blockade will begin on 3 1st Lord Dufferin telegraphs blockade will begin on 31st May Her Majesty's ships protect Portuguese subjects ? French Commander has announced that blockade commenced on 26th Captaiu Jones reports that blockade was declared on 26th Instant. To ask M. Develle for explanations . . Blockade declart d from 28th Julv Senior Naval Officer telegraphs blockade began 28t.h Best course for Siam is to accept French terms unconditionally Wants Her Majesty's ships instructjed to protect Portuguese subjects Question in Siam engaging serious attention of Her Majesty's Government Ask to .be protected from loss which the blockade would entail on them Further interview with M, Develle respecting buffer State, Battambang, and Angkor, and other questions Will Her Majesty's Government recognize the blockade ? , . Sir I/. Smith telegraphs for instructions in view of blockade Will address note to M. Develle, asking for explanations as to the blockade . . French Foreign Office say true date of com- mencement of blockade is 31st Her Majesty's Government muvt consider the blockade to constitute a stale of belligerency Siamese Government accept ultimatum Her Majesty's Government have recommended Siam to accept French ultimatum. They firmly adhere to necessity of neutral territory between British and French pos-sessions Discrepancy in dates of blockade given by M. Develle and Captain Jones. Note to M. Develle .. Page 85 85 86 TABLE Of CONTENTS. IX No. Name. Date. Subject. iPage 220 j Captain Jones Telegraphic July 29, 1893 Extra day given for ships to clear. A vessel from Hong Kong has been stopped 99 221 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegrraphio 29, To inquire whether M. Devellc intends to con- tinue the blockade now that Siamese have accepted ultimatum 99 222 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 29, Was the vessel British ? (see No. 220) 99 223 To Marquis of DiifiFerin Telegraphic 29, It is clear that blockade has he^run (see No. 220). To address note to M. Develle 100 224 Admiralty . . . • 29, Concur in protecting Portuguese subjects 100 225 To Captain Jones . . Telegraphic 29, Her Majesty's ships may protect Portuguese subjects 100 22t> Marquis of Dufferin .. Telegraphic 29, Unconditional submission of Siamese conveyed to M. Develle at 10 this morning 100 227 11 .1 •• Telegraphic 29. M. Develle said he would answer as to continu- ance of blockade after Cabinet Council 100 328 r )» . . Telegraphic 29, M. Develle said that the British steamer was stopped owing to misapprehensiion 101 229 II ij • . Telegraphic 29, Will see M. Develle after Cabinet Council on 30th 101 230 To Leeds Chamber of . , 29, Answers No. 195. Questions occupying earnest Commerce attention of Her Majesty's Government 101 231 Captain Jones Telegraphic 30, Vessel detained is British (see No. 222), but has been allowed to come to Bangkok 101 232 11 11 . • Telegraphic 30, Report that six French ships are now outside bar.. 101 233 II 11 . • Telegraphic 30, Captain of " Pallas "■ has warned " Linnet " to be ready to leave Bangkok 102 234 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 30, " Linnet " must not leave Bangkok . . 102 235 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic 30, To state that Her Majesty's Government cannot withdraw ships from Bangkok 102 236 Admiralty . . . * 30, Telegram from Senior Naval OflScer. Revised notice of blockade 102 237 Messrs. (ilover . , 29, Will steam-ship " Moldava " be allowed to go Brothers to Bangkok about 20th August ? . 103 238 Siamese Legation . , . , 29, Prince Vadhana's note accepting the ultimatum 103 239 Colonial Office • • 31, Telegrams to Governor of Straits Settlements respecting blockade 104 240 Borneo Company 31, " Savoia" detained on 29th. They will claim compensation . . 104 241 Colonial ' )ffice 31, Despatch from Sir C. Smith as to injury caused « by the dispute to trade of Straits Settlements 105 242 Marquis of Dufferin , . Telegraphic 31, Official notification that French Government have taken act of the acceptance of ultimatum 109 243 » 11 . • Telegraphic 31, Has signed Protocol as to establishment of neutral zone . . 109 244 II 1) • * Telegraphic 31, Provisions for Her Majesty's ship at Bangkok. M. Develle says blockade will be raised at once 109 245 To Captain Jones Telegraphic 31, French ultimatum. Some minor points will be demanded. Siamese should yield these 109 246 11 >i ■• 3!, Guarantees demanded by French. Siamese Government should yield llO 247 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic 31, Guarantees demanded by France . . no 218 •Marquis of Dufferin ,. ' * 29, Interview with M, Develle. Has absolutely refused to discuss cession of Battambang and Angkor 110 249 )j 11 • • •• 30, Blockade to be raised provided Siamese agree to certain arrangements 111 250 ji II •• 31, Siamese acceptance of ultimatum. Discussion of neutral zone. Sums up negotiations 111 251 11 1, .. 31, Ship stopped off Bangkok. Note to M. Develle 111 252 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic Aug. 1, Blockade. What action has been taken by French Government for raising?.. 112 253 Captain Jones Telegraphic 1. Siam has accepted guarantees demanded by France . , ... 112 254 To Marquis of Dufferin telegraphic li Assumes blockade will be raised at once 112 •255 Marquis of Dufferin ., Telegraphic 1. Siam has agreed to guarantees .. 113 256 .1 11 • . Telegraphic 1, Blockade will be raised 2nd August 113 257 Admiralty . , •• li Telegram from Senior Naval Officer, Very strict blockade to be commenced 113 258 , Marquis of Dufferin . . ' • 1, Neutral zone. As to publication of Protocol, Has asked what administration would replace Siamese 113 259 To Marquis of Dufferin •• 2, Neutral zone (see No. 250). Approves lan- guage. Asks his opinion as to postponing discussion of frontiers .. .. .. 114 [691] TABLE OP CONTENDS. No. 260 26] -26-2 •263 2Cti 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 u8f) 290 2;n 2!t2 •293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 Name. To Borneo Company. . »» jf • • Marquis of Dufferin . . Captain Jones Baron d'EstourneJles . , Admiralty . . Captain Jones To Colonial Office . . Marquis of Dufferin . . To Marquis of Dufferin To Baron d'Estournelles Captain Jones Marquis of Dufferin Captain Jones Mr. Phipps To Captain Jones Captain Jones Admiralty ,, To Captain Jones Captain Jones To Captain Jones Captain Jones To Admiralty Captain Jones Admiralty >. Captain Jones To Captain Jones Admiralty .. Captain Jones Consul Trenilett Admiralty , . V/alla Messrs. Brothers Manchester Chamber of Commerce Mr. Phipps Straits Settlements Association To Straits Settlements Association Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic • •■ Telegraphic Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telejfraphic Telegraphic Aug. 2, 1893 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 5. N 11, 13, 15, 15. 18, 20, July 17, 20, 17, 21, 21, 21, 2-2, 22, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25, 25, 25, 25, 30, Aug. 25, 29, 29, 29, 80, 31, Subject. Blockade will not be put in force . . . . Question of compensation will receive con- sideration French Government explain delay in raising blockade . . . . , No news of blockade being raised . . . . Announces termination of blockade, and occu- pation of Chantaboon .. Blockade raised 3rd August Admiral notified that blockade was raised 3rd August at noon Representations of Singapore Chamber of Commerce will be borne in mind . . Note from M. Develle respecting discrepancy of dates as to blockade and as to question of international law involved Remarks respecting M. Develle's statement that he had assured M. AVaddington that Her Majesty's Government would not intervene.. Acknowledges No. 264 Settlgpient ratified. M. Pavie asks for salute. . Neutral zone. Better to postpone negotiations. French will hold fort but not town of Chanta- boon . . . . . . . . Siamese refuse to withdraw their troops from Cambodian frontier . . . . . . Siamese deny that Grosgurin was murdered in cold blood M. Develle's assurances respecting Cambodian forces Cambodian troops to be withdrawn from frontier Audience of M. de Vilers. Assurance given as to his instructions .. Circumstances of forcing entrance of Menam by French gun-boats. Transmits extract from " Bangkok Times." Printed correspondence respecting Military situation east of Mekong. Report of Siamese Commissioner. Posts occupied by French and Siamese respectively . . Report from Commander of ''Pallas " Are there any foreign gun-boats at Bangkok ? Is " Linnet " siill there ? M. de Vilers' audience. He refuses all inter- vention of foreign advisers .. ^ Occupation of Chantaboon " Linnet " left on 1 7th . . Is any other gun-boat expected to replace "Linnet"? .. Negotiations proceeding smoothly. " Linnet " not expected to be replaced Want ship stationed at Bangkok Terms of proposed Treaty. They are in excess of ultimatum .. Gun-boat to be sent to replace " Linnet " Change of attitude of French Plenipotentiary " Linnet " will be replaced " Swift " ordered to Bangkok Transmits correspondence between M. Pavie and Siamese Government respecting non- acceptance of ultimatum and his withdrawal from Bangkok Confirms telegram of the 25th July. Trans- mits copies of telegrams respecting French operations in interior Report of Captain of "Pallas" respecting hostilities between French and Siamese Dangers to British interests in Siam Dangers^f present situation to British interests Report from captain of "J. B. Say" as to entrance of French gun-boats to Menam , . Dangers to British interests Acknowledges No. 300 .. Page Ii4 114 115 115 115 116 116 116 116 118 119 119 119 119 120 120 120 120 121 121 127 128 130 130 130 131 131 131 131 131 132 132 132 132 133 136 138 141 141 141 145 146 TABLE or CONTENTS. XI No. 'Name. Date. Subject. Pape° 802 To Manchester Cham- ber of Commerce . • Aug. 31, 1893 Acknowledges No. 298 . . 146 303 To Messrs. Wallace Brothers * . 31, Acknowledges No. 297 .. 146 304 London Chamber of Commerce a a 31, Dangers to British interests 146 305 To Captain Jones Telegraphic Sept. 3, Asks for text of certain articles of draft Treaty 147 306 Singapore Chamber of Commerce Mr. Phipps Telegraphic 1. Protest against French proceedings .. 147 S07 • • 1, Language of official personages who deprecate tone of English press , . 147 308 Admiralty . . • • 1, Telegram from Captain of " Pallas." French are using threats 148 309 To Marquis of Dufferin a a 2, Summary of course of events, showing position of Her Majesty's Government. Assurances given by French Government. Circum- stances under which French gun-boats ascended Menara. Effects of French demands on British interests. Advice given to Siam by Her Majesty's Government 149 810 Admiralty .. . a 3, Telegrams from Consul at Bangkok respecting movements of French and German ships . . 155 311 Captain Jones Telegraphic 2, Text of Articles III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX. XI, and XIII of draft Treaty 155 312 )) >» •- Telegraphic 1, Garrison at Chantaboon . . 156 313 )' »> Telegraphic 1, Arrival of " Swift " 156 314 S9 J9 • • '1 eiegraphic 4, Fifty additional soldiers sent to French garrison at Chantaboon 156 315 Marquis of DufiFerin . . •• 4, Capture of Captain Thoreux. Extract from "Temps" 156 316 To Marquis of Dufferin • • 5, Mr. Phipps' account of language of official persons at Paris. Satisfaction at modera- tion of latter, but they seem inaccurately informed on several points 157 317 Admiralty . . • • 5, Letters from Captain Macleod, of " Pallas." Account of recent events and notification of blockade 153 318 Captain Jones Telegraphic 5, French ultimatum. Complaints of M. de Vilers unfounded . . . . . . . . ICOi 319 Colonial Office • • 6, Trentment of French and Siamese ships of war durinsr blockade. Governor of Straits Settle- ments requests instructions . . 160 320 Malay Peninsula Ex-[ • a 6. Kra Canal. Hopes no action will be taken ploration Syndicate prejudicial to interests of Syndicate 161 321 To Marquis of Dufferin • • 1, Negotiations at Bangkok. To speak to M. Develle respecting apparent divergence of M. de Vilers' demands from terms of ultima- tum 16^2' 322 Marquis of Dufferin . . ■ • 7, Conversation with M. Develle. He wishes to postpone '• buffer State " negotiations. Com- ments on M. de Vilers' demands . . 165 323 To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic », Buffer State negotiations should not be delaved 166 324 Admiralty . . •• 8, Letters from Captain Macleod respecting blockade 166 825 To Malay Peninsula • • 12. Kra Canal.. Their Representation will be exploration Syndi- cate To Colonial Office .. borne in mind 169- 826 ■ ■ 13, Answers No. 319. No instructions necessary . 169 327 To Marquis of Dufferin « • 13, Conversation with Baron d'Estournelles 169 328 Marquis of Dufferin . . • • 14, Answers No. 321. Interview with M. Develle. M. de Viler's paper contained proposals, not demands. Siamese not begun to evacuate. Negotiations at Bangkok at a standstill 170 329 To Captain Jones . . Telegraphic 15, Asks exact position of affairs in view of M. Develle's statement. . 171 830 Captain Jones ■ » Aug. 9, Tranquillity undisturbed. Precautions taken . 172 331 » » •• • • 15, Transmits copies of French Notifications as to blockade 172 332 Blackburn Chamber of Commerce • ■ Sept. 20, Resolution hoping French encroachments will be resisted. One-third of market for British commerce closed 17& 333 Admiralty . . . . 22, Report from Senior Naval Officer in Straits of Malacca of 12th August 17S [591] xu TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 334 To Blackburn Chamber of Commerce a • Sept. 27, 1893 Answers No. 332. Matter is receiving atten- tion. Are not aware that one-third of Siam market is closed to our commerce 176 335 Captain Jones _« Telegraphic 25, All conditions of ultimatum complied with. Articles 3 and 4 only clauses unsettled 176 336 J> 5> • • Telegraphic 28, Terms of fresh draft Treaty submitted by French Minister . . , , 176 337 1> » •• Telegraphic 29, Siamese objections to draft Treaty . . 177 338 »9 99 • • Telegraphic 30, Further modification of M. de Vilers' proposals. 177 339 Singapore Chamber of Commerce •• 5, Protest against French proceedings . . 178 V 340 Admiralty . . . . • m 29, Raising of blockade of Siam ports by French. Letter from Commander of " Pallas " 8th August 179 341 Captain Jones Telegraphic Oct, 1, Treaty and new Convention signed with proces- verbal as to terms of the latter . . 179 342 Marquis of Dufferin . . • • 2, Transmits Treaty and Convention as given in " Temps of 2nd October , . 179 343 Captain Jones Telegraphic 2, Franco-Siamese Convention. Substance of explanatory proces-verbal 180 ^344 Manchester Chamber , a 2, Franco-Siamese dispute. Transmits letter from of Commerce Singapore Chamber of Commerce 181 345 Marquis of Dufferin . . Telegraphic 3, Buffer State. M. Develle ready to open negotiations . . 182 346 » »' SSJ.' • « • 3, Franco-Siamese Treaty. Interview with M. Develle as to Chantaboon and buffer State 182 34V Captain Jones Telegraphic 6, Treaty signed 3rd February 163 348 Blackburn Chamber of Commerce • • 9, Territory east of Mekong. Is one-third of Siam to be closed to British trade ? 183 349 To Manchester Cham- ber of Commerce • • 10, Acknowledges No. 344 . . 184 350 To Sin(rapore Chamber of Commerce • • 10, Acknowledges No. 339 .. 184 351 To Marquis of Dufferin ■ • 11. Has spoken to French Chargg d' Affaires of importance of concluding affair before meet- ing of Parliament 184 352 Captain Jones ... Telegraphic 11, Chantaboira. French have 400 men ; all Siamese withdrawn . , . . , . 184 353 To Blackburn Chamber of Commerce • ■ 12, Acknowledges No. 348 . . 184 V 354 Colonial Office • • 14. British trade in Siam. Letter from Officer administering Straits Settlements, Inclosing one from Singapore Chamber of Commerce, and telegram from latter to Lord Rosebery 185 355 To Captain Jones • • 21, Transmits inclosures in No. 354 186 , 356 >» » ■• 21, To address note to Siamese Government as to our right to most-favoured-uation treatment 186 357 To Colonial Office . . • ■ 23, Acknowledges No. 354. Transmits No. 356. Matter is receiving attention 187 358 Captain Jones Telegraphic 24, "Alouette" sent to Chantaboon; "Aspic" returned 187 359 To Marquis of Dufferin • • 25, Buffer State. Conversation with French Charge d' Affaires. Suggestions for mutual withdrawal from Upper Mekong 187 360 Manchester Chamber of Commerce 26. French advance in Siam. Transmits Resolution 188 361 To Marquis of Dufferin • • 27, Buffer State. Unsatisfactory progress. Pro- posal as to mode of settlement 188 362 » j» > • 27, Buffer State. Mr. Archer to proceed to Paris to give assistance in discussion . . 189 363 To Mr. Archer • • 27, To proceed to Paris 189 364 Captain Jones . , • • Sept. 28, Treaty of Peace and Friendship between France and Siam. Transmits draft 189 365 "Wolverhampton Cham- ber of Commerce • • Oct. 30, Indorses Resolution of Blackburn Chamber of Comi/erce l<)-3 366 To Manchester Cham- ber of Commerce • • 31 Acknowledges No. 360 .. loo 193 367 Marquis of Dufferin .. • • 31, Refers to No. 361. Interview with M. Develle 193 a68 Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool ■ • Nov. 1, Siamese affairs. Hopes further French inter- ference will be prevented, and British com- mercial interests guarded. Approves of buffer State .. 193 TABIiE OF CONTENTS. XIU No. 869 370 S71 372 -373 374 375 ■376 378 ^79 380 381 j; 583 384 385 -■386 X-387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 -399 -400 Name. Telegraphic Telegraphic To Captain Jones Captain Jones Associated Chambers of Commerce To Incorporated Cham- ber of Commerce of Liverpool Marquis of DufFerin . . Captain Jones Prince Svasti ., To Marquis of Dufferin To Associated Cham- bers of Commerce To Mr. IScott To Prince Svasti ., Prince Svasti Mr. Scolt .. ... Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti Admiralty . ■ South of Scotland Chamber of Com- merce Marquis of Dufferin . . To Marquis of Dufferin To South of Scotland Chamber of Com- merce Marquis of Dufferin . . Date. Nov. 4, 1893 5, 9 9, Telegraphic 12, Oct. 12, Nov, 11, H, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 17, 16, 20, To Marquis of Dufferin „ • • Marquis of Dufferin . , »» • ' To Marquis of Dufferin Si eh Ta-jen To Marquis of Dufferin Marquis of Dufferin . . To Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 11, 26, 27, 20, 21, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 16, 19, 19, 20, Subject. To report as to occupation of Koh Samit by the French Answers No. 369. French hold Samit, not Koh Samit . . Trust British trade in Siam will be protected .. Acknowledges No. 368 Evacuation of Chantaboon. Interview with M. Develle . . Is leaving Bangkok. Mr. Scott in charge Franco- Siamese Treaty. Modifications pro- posed. Both Treaty and draft Convention signed 3rd October. Transmits Articles and proces-verbal appended to Convention Transmits telegrams from Siam reporting evacuation of left bank of Mekong Neutral State. To see M. Develle and attempt to lay down broad lines for agreement . . Acknowledges No. 371 .. .. ., Alleged murderers of M. Grosgurin. How soon will trial take place ? Acknowledges No. 376. Asks information as to date of Grosgurin trial Acknowledges No. 380. Has asked by tele- graph for information Answers No. 379. Trial will take place on arrival of accused Grosgurin trial. Telegram from Bangkok as to date French in Siam. Report from Captain of " Pallas," 22nd August . French action in Siam. Transmits Resolution Franco - Siamese affairs. Interview with M . Develle ; satisfactory progress B uffer State. May sign Protocol but should ~" urge participation of China ' . . French in Siam. Acknowledges No. 385 Buffer State. Transmits two Protocols sub- mitted by French Government Buffer State. Interviews with M. Develle as to English and French contributions Buffer State. Transmits Protocol signed by Delegates, and that signed by Lord Dufferin and M. Develle, and correspondence with M. Develle ,. Buffer State. Refers to No. 389, 390, and 391. Approval Buffer State Commission. If it does not start soon, must wait till November 1894 Buffer State. Note to M. Casimir-Perier urging him to send Commissioner soon Buffer State. Refers to No. 394. M. Casimir- Perier hopes soon to reply as to Commis- sioner Transmits Lord Lyons' despatch of 16th .July, 1 884, on Indo-Chinese matters with reference to a statement made in the " Rappel " Interest of China in integrity of Siam. China prepared to accept Buffer State, and should be represented on Commission Buffer State. Transmits No. 397. Has French Government received similar com- munication ? . . , , Buffer State. Selection of French Commis- sioners Delimitation. It is useless to begin before autumn. To ascertain views of French Government .. Pajfe 194 194 194 196 196 196 196 203 204 205 205 205 206 206 'i06 206 207 Y^C 208 208 209 209 210 211 214 214 215 215 216 217 218 218 218 XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 Marquis of Dufferin To Mr. Scott Marquis of Dufferin Telegraphic Date. Dec. 22, 1893 24, Jan. 18, 1894 To Sieli Ta-jen Marquis of Dufferin , Mr. Scott To Marquis of Dufferin Felegraphic Telegraphic 20, 23, 31, Feb. 2, 3, 23, Mar. 17, Apr. 25, Subject. Page Delimitation. French Government agree that it is useless to begin before autumn 2 1 9 French Government 'agree with us that it is usele.«s to begin delimitation before autumn 21^ Franco- Siamese Commercial Treaty. Prince Svasti has had introductory interview with M. Casimir>Perier as to negotiations . 219 Franco-Siamese Treaty of the 3rd October ap proved by Parliamentary Commission . . 220. M. Deloncle's Report to Chamber on Treaty, Extract from « Journal Officiel " . 220. New Franco- Siamese Commercial Treaty. M. Hanotaux appointed French Representative at negotiations to be opened in Paris . , 222 Integrity of Siam and Mekong buffer State (No. 397). Satisfaction, at views of Chinese Government. Propose to defer any proposal until Convention between France and Siam is executed . . . . . . . 222 Franco-Siamese Treaty of the 3rd October. Text of Law approving. Extract from "♦Journal Officiel " ... 222, Grosgurin case. Trial of Phra Yot will begin on the 24th February. Little evidence for prosecution, and only one witness arrived. Delay or failure threatened . . . . 224. Grosgurin case. Phra Yot acquitted. Re. trial demanded by French Representative ... 224 Evacuation of Chantaboou. French Govern- ment say is dependent on fulfilment of all the stipulatic^ns of Convention . . . . 225^ Correspondence respecting the Affairs of Siam. No. 1. Mr. Gould to the Marquis of Salisbury. — (Received August 23.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 10, 1887. ON the 1st instant I had the honour to report, by telegram, that the Chin Haws had taken the Siamese town of Luang Prabang, I now beg to lay before your Lordship such detailed account of this occurrence as I am able to supply. It appears from the accounts given me by the Siamese authorities and the French Chargd d' Affaires that on the 7th June a party of some 500 men, of which some were " Chin Haws " and others people of Muang Lai, appeared before Luang Prabang under the leadership of a son of the Chief of Muang Lai. This place, Muang Lai, is situated to the north-east of Luang Prabang, and the Siamese claim it as belonging to Siam. It is also claimed by the French as belonging to Annam. The Chinese also have a claim , G, Jiicldsure 1 in No. 4. Mr. White to Mr. Gould. (Telegraphic.) Rangoon, March 1, 1889. VICEROY of India asks for authoritative statement of Siamese claims to territory east of Salween. Their claims to territory occupied by Karens and to five disputed States have been definitely stated, but Siamese Government have not yet definitely stated what it considers its proper boundary to the north. It would be very convenient if you could get a formal statement of what Siara claim? as her proper bounds on the north. Inclosure 2 in No. 4. Mr. Gould to Mr. White. (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, March 27, 1889. YOUR telegram of the 1st March. Siamese state inability to give definite statement of northern boundary^ which is not accurately known here, but in personal interviews they claim the whole valley of the Nam Oo and the valleys of all streams falling into the Mekong River below Chiengsen, and from the Mekong, roughly speaking, along the 20J° parallel to the Salween. See map in "Proceedings of Royal Geographical Society, March 1888." No. 5. Mr. Gould to the Marquis of Salisbury. — (Received June 6.) My Lord, Bangkok, May 4, 1889. IN continuation of my despatch to your Lordship of the 9th ultimo, I have the honour to report that, as affording the best chance of obtaining some written statement from the Siamese Government of the limits to the north of their territorial claims, I addressed a note (copy inclosed) to Prince Devawongse, repeating the verbal statement of the frontier-line given to me by him, and requesting' that this should be confirmed in writing. I followed up my letter by several personal interviews with the Prince, and ultimately received an answer (copy inclosed, together with copy of my reply) defining the frontier in terms similar to those in my note to him (and which I had already communicated by telegraph to the Government of India), with the exception that east of the Mekong Prince Devawongse, on behalf of Siam, claims Miiang Pong and Mfiang La as the frontier districts of Siam in this quarter. The exact position of these two places the Prince declared himself unable to specify. On McCarthy's Map there is a place marked as " Muang Poang," nearly as far north as latitude 21°j and in the latest French Map forwarded from Siam by Mr. Parker, of Her Majesty's Consular Service in China, to your Lordship, there are marked " Phong (?) " and " La (?) " far to the north and close to the confines of China. Your Lordship will observe that Prince Devawongse, in his letter to me, expresses the desire of His Majesty the King of Siam that a Commission should be appointed " to settle once for all the territorial questions now pending." I was lately informed by the Siamese Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs that the French Acting Charg^ d' Affaires has asked the Siamese Government whether they would prefer to settle the boundary between the French possessions of Tonquin and Annam and the territory of Siam by a Commission meeting on the frontier or at Bangkok. I hope to-day to meet Prince Devawongse at the Foreign Office, and to ascertain from him the nature' and progress of any late negotiations with the French on this subject. I have, &c. (Signed) E. B. GOULD. 6 Inclosure 1 in No. 5. Mr. Gould to Prince Devawongse. M. le Ministre, Bangkok, April 15, 1889. UNDER instructions from Her Britannic Majesty's Governments in London and India, I have bad the honour on several occasions lately to invite your Royal Highness to furnish me, for the information of the Government of India, with a statement of the limits of the Siamese territorial claims towards the north. Your Royal Highness has informed me that the Siamese Government is not at present in a position to define accurately the boundary-line, but you were so good on the 6th, and again on the 26th, March to personally point out and explain to me, with reference to the Map furnished by Mr. McCarthy and published in the March number of the "Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society, 1888," the Hue of boundary as accurately as the knowledge in possession of the Siamese Government permitted you to do. The information thus verbally afforded me I apprehend to be as follows : — Taking Mr. McCarthy's Map referred to, and starting from a point on the River Sal ween in 20-|- degrees of north latitude, the approximate boundary as described by your Royal Highness would be defined by a line drawn from the point on the Salween above referred to, east along the 20-| parallel to the River Mekong (called the Mei Nam Kong on McCarthy's Map), and thence onwards somewhat north of east, so as to just include the head-waters of all the streams falling into the Mekong below Chiengsen, until the range of hills forming the western watershed of the Nam Oo River is reached, and thence along the range of hills northwards, so as to include the whole of the valley of the Nam Oo. I have already communicated to the Government of India the Siamese claims as above verbally described, and I have now received instructions from Her Majesty's Govern- ment in London that his Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General of India requires a description in writing of the Siamese claim. I must therefore again ask your Royal Highness to supply this. It is not necessary nor perhaps possible at the present moment to define the boundary with topographical exactness. I understand that all that is now required is such a description in writing as your Royal Highness has already given me verbally. Hoping that you will be able to furnish me at once with such a general statement as can be accepted as authoritative by the Government of India, I take, &c. (Signed) E. B. GOULD. Inclosure 2 in No. 5. Prince Devawongse to Mr. Gould. (Translation.) Sir, Foreign Office, April 30, 1889. ITS reply to your note of the 15th instant, in which you asked me to supply you, for the information of Her Britannic Majesty's Government, a description of the boundary on the north, and at the same time you appended therein as a verbal communication the information you gathered from me in conversation, I have the honour to state herein the substance of what I did say on the subject. You will recollect that when you asked me for these informations I said that having regard to the fact you yourself told me, that Her Britannic Majesty's Government do not as yet intend to appoint a Boundary Commission as far as this line is concerned, I think it is a little premature to speak about it. And in the subsequent interview, you asked me to point out the boundary-line on the small Map of Siam made by Mr. McCarthy, which you desired me to be shown. I told you clearly that I could not, under the circumstances, do so without reference to the archives of the Interior Department. As you then wanted only an approximate idea of it, I said that you would already know more than I can give since you were so many years resident in Chiengmai, and have travelled over a greater part of those territories. I then concurred with you that Chiengmai northern boundary would be about the parallel of latitude 20^°, but that of Nam, on the eastern side of the Mekong, would extend higher to the north as far as Miiang Pang and Miiang La, and that of Luang Prabang would, I think, comprise the whole valley of Nam Oo. I think it would be best for the interest of both countries if a Boundary Commission could be agreed upon, so as to settle, once for all, the territorial questions now pending, and I, therefore, beg you to be good enough as to inform me whether, in the event of the Government of India having received the information required, Her Britannic Majesty's Government would be disposed to appoint such a Commission which would be acceptable to His Majestjr the King, my gracious Sovereign. Accept, &c. (Signed) DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Inclosure 3 in No. 5. Mr, Gould to Prince Devawongse. M. le Ministre, Bangkok, May 2, 1889. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge iJie receipt of your Royal Highness' note of the 30th ultimo, copies of which I will at once forward to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign. Affairs in London and to the Government of India, and after receiving instructions I shall be in a position to answer the inquiry contained in the last paragraph of your Royal Highness' note. I must take this opportunity, however, to take exception to your Royal Highness' statement in the fourth paragraph of your note, in which you use the words, '* I then concurred with you, that Chiengmai northern boundary would be about the parallel ot latitude 20^°, but that of Nam," &c. I beg leave to point out that I did not concur with you, that this line described the Chiengmai northern boundary, for, as you are aware, this line includes the four Shan States of Miiang Hang, Miiang Tuen, Miiang Chuat, and Miiang Ta. I concurred with you only in admitting that this line approximately described the northern limit of the territories claimed by Siam as belonging to Chiengmai. I have no doubt that your Royal Highness meant to say this, and not to assume that I had concurred in a definition of the Chiengmai boundary, which it was not possible for me to concur in. I have, however, thought it better to make this correction at the present moment, to prevent any future possible misunderstanding. T take, &c. (Signed) E. B. GOULD. No. 6. Foreign Office to India Office. Sir, Foreign Office, July 12, 1889. I AM directed by the Marquis of Salisbury to state, for the information of Viscount Cross, that the French Ambassador has inquired when he may expect an answer to the proposal comnmnicated by him on the 3rd April for the neutralization of Siam, and the demarcation of the Siamese frontier. The proposal in question was communicated to the Secretary of State for India in the letter from this Office of the 18th April last, and I am to request that you will move Lord Cross to favour his Lordship with an early expression of his opinion upon it. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 7. India Office to Foreign Office. — {Received July 26.) Sir, India Office, July 24, 1889. I AM directed by Viscount Cross to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th July relative to a proposal submitted by the French Ambassador at this Court in regard to the demarcation of the frontiers of Siam and the neutralization of that State. > In reply, 1 am desired to state, for the information of the Marquis of Salisbury that Lord Cross considers that a delimitation of the frontiers of Siam should precede an Agreement between Great Britain and France for the neutralization of that State, and that if a boundary satisfactory to Siam could be arranged with France on the side of Cambodia, Annam, and Tonquin, the advantage to Siam would be considerable. On the west there is a recognized frontier between Siam £^nd the British proviiice formerly known as British Burraah up to Karenni ; and the boundary further to the north will, no doubt, be determined by the Commission which it is contemplated to appoint for inquiring into the claims of Siam to sovereignty over the four trans-Salween Shan States. That Commission, if appointed, will also have opportunities of ascertaining the precise limits of the Shan States of Muang-Lem, Kiang-Hung, Kiang-Tung, and Kiang- Cheng, which intervene on the north-west between Siam and China. The frontiers of Siam on the east, west, and north-west being ascertained and recognized, Lord Cross would see no objection, from an Indian point of view, to Great Britain and France entering into an Agreement for the neutralization of Siam. The existence of an independent kingdom between the British and French possessions in the Indo-Chinese Peninsula might obviate complications between the two Powers, and the influence they might seek to exercise in Siam, would not endanger ihe national existence of that State. 1 have, &c. (Signed) J. A. GODLEY. No. 8. The Marquis of Salisbury to M. Waddington. M. I'Ambassadeur, Foreign Office, August 27, 1889. I HAVE been in communication with the India Office with regard to the proposal for the neutralization of Siam which was made to me by your sExceliency on. the 3rd April last. Her Majesty's Government are favourably inclined to such an arrangement, by which a strong independent Kingdom of Siam, with wellfdeflned frontiers, would be established. As I understood your Excellenfiy's proposal, it requires as a first step a settlement of the boundaries of Siam in the direction of China, Cochin China, and of Burmah. I have now the honour to f«)Pward to your Excellency a map which has been supplied to me by the India Office, and which shows the approximate boundaries of Siam towards the north-west and north, sucb as they have hitherto been considered to exist. The western boundary of Siam has been absolutely dema^c^ted as far as the northern limit of British possessions previous to 1 885. On hearing from your Excellency what are the views pf the French Government as to the limits of Siam on the east and north-east, I shall be happy to consider with you what is the next step that should be taken for the purpose of carrying your proposal into effefit, I understand the object which your Excellency has in view is to determine what shall be the definition of the words " Empire of Siam," if they should become the subject of any g,greement between the two Governments, either in the way of guarantees or of formal recognition for rputual guidance. The extent of territory claimed by Siam, and the validity of those claims, can, qf course, only be determined in communication with the Government of Siam itself. I have, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. Inclosure in No. 8. Map. Fac simile of iVian given to the hrench Ambassador, 29'hAijg:,l8o9. a.s indicatm>^; the APPROXIMATE BOUNDARIES of SI AM to thf North Wo: t & Moi'th such as th^y have hitherto been oonsihered. YUNNAN 105° 106° 107° T ONGKING o HAJ«rOI G U X F T O N G K I N a Fac simile of Mao given to the hrench Ambassador, 29*Aijg:,l8S9, a.s indicatm>^; the APPROXIMATE BOUNDARIES of SI AM to the North: Wear a_ North such as they have hitherto been considered. 00° 101 102 — i — 103" 104° IOS° 106° 107° 108° 109 YUNNAN gTvn^y I I f I i ^/^■■m,..m-^' ' Luang Prabang T ONGKING G U JL F T ON G K I N G \ '*-^-%..1*.-^' r f y ^"^ Q 'Luang Prabang G U L F OF T O N G KING I A M / •%..«» I i ^ ' Luang Prabang Q GULF T O N G K I N & I A M 20° 19° -| ib Tj Avrr^Ti nic 14° o HUE I D^, W. 0., N° 1001 so 40 iO BO 10 O 1 1 '111 Approx: Sca.le b,si4-,56o, or I /nch =4-6 Miles. ISO i__ zoo MILES Boundary of Si am Approx: boundary of S/am_. I A S I A M A 101° 102' 104° 105° 106" 107 so 40 30 20 10 O J 1 I ; 1 L- rox Scale 2,s/4:56o. or I Inch =4-6 Miles. so 100 ISO Liiho'i a.t the Intel!: Div:..W.O.Aug;/893. Boundary of Si am . Appro K- boundary of Siarn_ ,. 9. No, 9. Captain Jones to the Marquis of Salisbury, — (Received February 1 7.) My Lord, Bangkok, January 6, 1 890. I HAVE the honour to bring to your Lordship's notice the following details connected with the objects of the Franco-Siamese Delimitation Commission, which expects to begin its joint labours here in August next. M. Pavie, the Head of the French Commission (and Titular Vice-Consul at Luang Prabang), has been recently promoted to the rank of Second Consul, in recognition of his services as Explorer and Surveyor of the little-known districts on the borders of Tonquin and Cochin China, and of the aid he has rendered in consolidating French authority in those parts. His instructions are characterized by extreme moderation, and he is enjoined to act on all occasions with impartiality and conciliation, and, while maintaining the just claims of France, to pay due regard to those advanced by Siam. M. Pavie bears a high character for discretion and moderation, and the Foreign: Minister here is of opinion that a satisfactory solution of all outstanding questions between the two countries may be shortly expected. As the existing situation of the contested districts will be maintained until modified by the .decisions of the Joint Commission, Siam will continue to hold the Basin of the Mekong from (about) the 13th to 22nd parallel of north latitude, vi'ith the exception of three small districts on this side of the Khao-Luang range, settled by the Annamites, where the routes from the east debouch from the mountains into the plains. These are : — Ai-Lao-Dign, in latitude 17° north. . Kia-Heup, latitude 17^°. Kam-Muan (about), latitude 18j°. Beyond these, to the north, the Siamese hold the district called Pan-Ha-Thang-Hok ("the nation of five or six Chiefs"), and the French will continue to occupy Sipsong- Chu-Thai ("the twelve small Siamese States"), from which they have succeeded in driving the Chin Haws and other marauders. A map of this country has been recently issued, for the use of the Commission, by the Military Topographical Department of Saigon. The French Commissioners are now on their way to Luang Prabang by way of Hanoi, from whence they descend the Mekong, examining the country in the vicinity to complete the survey of the same, reaching Bangkok in August next, where they will meet the Siamese Commissioners, and, in conjunction with them, proceed to fix permanently the common line of frontier. I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY M. JONES. No. 10. Captain Jones to the Marquis of Salisbury. — (Received December 22.) My Lord, Bangkok, November 20, 1890. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that M. Pavie, the French Commis- sioner charged with the survey of the River Mekong and its tributaries, passed some days at Bangkok during the present month, and returned to Saigon on the 13th instant, in order to continue his work on the northern frontier. From the map which he has shown me of the districts already explored by him, these would seem to have been confined to the country lying to the ea,stward of Luang Prabang, and to the course of the River Nam Oo, as far as its source in (about) latitude 22' 30" north, and to certain of its tributaries westward towards Muang Sai, a trade centre. M. Pavie informed me that he was about to proceed to the Sipsong Panna, and to the district of Xieng Hong (Chieug Hoong), so that probably he may fall in with the British surveying party under Mr. Archer's direction. He expects to finish all the work intrusted to him before the end of February next. While here, he has had frequent interviews with the Siamese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince Devawongse, with the object chiefly of obtaining certain trading privileges and immunities on behalf of the Mekong Trading (French) Corporation. These are that the agents of the Company at the following landing stages (and who seem to be mainly young French Consular "Olives") should be recognized officially by the local Siamese authorities, probably with a view of giving them some Consular authority. [591J 10 The stations are Luang Prabang, Ta Outen, Bassac, Stung Treng, Chieng Tang, and one also at Battambong. There are three interruptions to the navigation of the Mekong, at Khong, at Kemmerat, and at a place north of the latter. M. Pavie also proposed that, in order to encourage and develop the Iradp of the Mekong, the goods carried by the steamers of the Company should be allowed to pass free of duty. He even went so far is to suggest unrestricted free trade between Siam and the French provinces of Indo-China ; but the Siamese Minister answered him, that the revenues of the kingdom were too meagre to admit of their being further diminished by these important concessions; that, furthermore, Siam was herself about to construct a line of rail from Bangkok to Korat — to be afterwards extended, if found practicable, to Nong Khai, on the Mekong^ — for the construction of which tenders would be invited in the leading journals of Europe at the beginning of the year. It could not be reasonably expected that extraordinary privileges would be conceded to foreign trading Corporations which would result in depriving the projected line of much of the trade on which it counted for its support. I am informed that no allusion was made to the recti6cation of the frontier between Siam and the French possessions. This matter may probably be brought forward in March next, when M. PaVie, having completed his surveys, will return to Bangkok. Priuce Devawongse, however, believes that the French will not seek to pass, for at least some time to come, the line they occupy at present on the north-west frontier beyond the Black River. I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY M. JONES. No. 11. The Marquis of Salisbury to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 4, 1891. HAVE you any confirmation of a report sent home by the correspondent of the " Standard " at Bangkok, to the effect that the Province of Luang-Prabang has been occupied by French troops ? No. 12. Captain Jones to the Marquis of Salisbury. — (Received August 17.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 10, 1891, WITH reference to your Lordship's telegram of the 4th instant on the ques- tion of alleged French annexation of Siamese territory, I have the honour to forward herewith explanatory statements on the part of the Siamese Foreign Minister and of Mr. Archer, First Assistant, which give the details of what is known here as to the recent aggressions of the French on the north-eastern and southern borders of Siam. I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY M. JONES. Inclosure 1 in No. 12. Memorandum. PRINCE DEVAWONGSE'S account of the recent proceedings of the French at Tung-Chieng-Kham and at Point Samit is as follows : — The Siamese Commissioner for, Miiang Phuen had sent two local officials, or Headmen, Palat Miiang Sui and Bang Bien, to collect information in the extreme eastern border of Siam. These men returned about three or four months ago with alleged authority from the French to occupy certain districts. They attempted to set up the French flag at Tung-Chieng-Kham, which was pulled down several times by the Siamese. Palat Miiang Sui was arrested and sent down to Bangkok, where he now is ; but Bang Bien is still at Tung-Chieng-Kham with thirty followers. There is there a Siamese post with a Commissioner, and efforts are to be made to arrest also Bang Bien. No I rench officer or 11 troops have come with him, nor has any formal claim been made by the French, the Consul here stating that he knows nothing of Bang Bien's proceedings. Tung-Chieng-Kham, being situated in the Province of Miiang Phuen, is not included in the Agreement between the French and Siamese Commandants that the status quo is to be preserved in Hua-Pan-thang-Hok and Sip-song-chu-thai. Prince Devawongse thinks that the occupation of Luang Prabang, reported in the " Standard," is merely inferred from the fact that Siam is about to take more energetic steps to guard her border by sending three brothers of the King as Special Frontier Commissioners. "With regard to the occupation of the bay at Point Samit, it appears that two Frenchmen, supposed to be Customs officers, recently came, with a number of Cambodian soldiers and others, and established themselves at Lem Thien ; but both these Europeans have died there, one of them committing suicide. There are now only about ten Cambodian soldiers left, and the Siamese have established large posts close by to watch them. The boundary with the French has never been delimitated on the coast-line; in fact, with the exception of the neighbourhood of the Great Lake, it has not been fixed anywhere in the south. By this last movement the French have now pushed on about 8 miles up the coast-line, including a fairly good anchorage, to a point fixed upon by M. Pavie as the boundary. The district in question has hitherto been always in Siamese occupation. The probable reason of its occupation by the French is that they are anxious to check the constant emigration to this neighbourhood of political and other refugees from the Cambodian Province of Compong Som. Bangkok, July 7, 1891. Inclosure 2 in No. 12. Mr. Archer to Captain Jones. Sir, Bangkok, July 6, 1891. IN my Report to Her Majesty's Government of India on the north-eastern frontier of Siam, dated the 12th June last, I "stated that "the French have made no claim to Miiang Phuen, but it now appears that they are making a move on Tung-Chieng-Kham, a north-eastern district of Miiang Phuen, in the head-waters of the Nam-Non or Song-ca. This place was formerly held by the Haws, and besieged unsuccessfully by the Siamese, who resumed possession after the retreat of the Haws. If the French occupy this district they will have gained an important though exposed position, wedged in a corner between Hua-Pan-thang-Hok on the north and Miiang Phuen on the south." » The position of Tung-Chieng-Kham is longitude 103° 25' east and latitude 19° 40' north in Mr. McCarthy's Map of Siam. There is a Siamese Commissioner for Miiang Phuen residing at Chieng-Kwang, about 25 miles south-west of Tung-CMeng-Kham, but he is under the orders of the Chief Commissioner, whose head-quarters are at Nong-Khai, on the Mekong. On my way down from Luang Prabang last April I met Phya Lomsak, who had been Commissioner at Miiang Phuen during 1889 and 1890, and he assured me that, beyond surveys and journeys of exploration, the French had done nothing towards encroachment in bis district while he was in charge ; so that the occupation of Tung- Chieng-Kham, which now seems to be an accomplished fact, is of quite recent date. It is probable tliat the Siamese, having relaxed their watch on this portion of the frontier and concentrated their attention on the border further north, where a French advance seemed more imminent, the French have taken advantage of this to push on their line of occupation as far as the main watershed. French policy, however, undoubtedly aims at Chieng-Kwang, the capital of the Province of Miiang Phuen. It is a large elevated plain, well suited to a military station ; but the Siamese are alive to its importance, and I doubt if they will easily allow it to be occupied. With Chieng-Kwang added to Miiang Theng, the French would possess the only two large open plains in the whole of the north-eastern border country. The distance from Tung-Chieng-Kham to Chieng-Kwang is three marches at most, and from Chieng-Kwang to Luang Prabang eight marches, across very mountainous and difficult country. I have, &c. (Signed) WM. J. ARCHER. [591] C 2 12 No. 13. Captain Jones to the Marquis of Salisbury. — {Received October 24.) My Lord, Bangkok, September 2], 189\. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that yesterday the French Represen- tative here notified to the Siamese Foreign Minister, by order of his Government, that the latter, willing at all times to prove its friendly feelings towards Siara, and its desire to fulfil faithfully all its engagements with that Power, had given orders that the districts recently annexed by the French authorities in Indo-China — that is to say, the Point Samit on the Cambodian, and Thoung-Chieng-Kham on the north-east boundary — as explained in my despatch to your Lordship of the 10th July last, should be at once evacuated and restored to the Siamese. That this action, however, was not to be held to prejudice any just claims which the French Government might have against the Siamese, and which for the present remained suspended. T n 3.VP &f* (Signed) ' HENRY" M. JONES. No. 14. * The Marquis of Salisbury to Mr. Egerton. Sir, Foreign Office, February 16, 1892. THE French Ambassador, in the course of conversation to-day, alluded to Lord Lamington's speech in the House of Lords on the moving of the Address. He said that its terms, though they had not been referred to subsequently in the debate, had excited some notice in Paris, as they were directed against a statement made by M. Ribot to the French Chamber. M. Ribot had laid down that up to the Mekong French influence had been extended, and this claim Lord Lamington had characterized as an undue display of French ambition. He then said that he had mentioned it for the purpose of making an unofficial suggestion. His Government were of opinion that in order to avoid further differences between the two Powers, it might be advantageous that each Power should bind itself to the other not to extend its influence beyond the Mekong. Neither Power had yet advanced practically to the banks of that river, but this engagement would prevent either Power suspecting the other of desiring to encroach upon what was essentially Siamese territory. I objected that such an engagement would have the appearance of giving respectively to the French and English Governments territory which did not belong to the other of the two Powers, and was therefore not at its discretion to assign. He said that that was not his intention. He did not propose any engagement of a positive character ; he did not propose that either Power should recognize the other as advancing as far as the banks of the Mekong ; he only proposed the negative engagement that each Power should bind itself to the other not to cross that river. I said that the proposal was one of which it was impossible for me to judge without consulting Departments immediately concerned, and that I would communicate his suggestion to the India Office without delay. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 15. India Office to Foreign Office. — {Received April 6.) (Extract.) India Office, April 5, 1892. I AM desired by Viscount Cross to state, for the information of the Marquis of Sahsbury, that the Government of India observe that the proposal submitted by the French Ambassador in regard to the Mekong appears to them sure to be misinterpreted as anticipated by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Lord Lansdowne's Govesrnment further remark that Kyaing Chaing has not beea transferred to Siam, and, if the offer of this State be declined by Siam, the Indian Government will find themselves in possession of territory on the eastern side of the Mekong River. In these circumstances, the Viceroy of India strongly advises that for the present 13 we. should confine ourselves to an expression of our desire to respect the integrity of Siam, and of our readiness to examine the French Ambassador's proposal when it has been more fully explained. No. 16. The Marquis of Salisbury to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, May 10, 1892. M. WADDINGTON called at the Foreign Office to-day, and asked me again for an answer from the Indian Government with regard to his proposal respecting the Mekong River, which I described in my despatch to Mr, Egerton of the 16th February last. His Excellency repeated the substance of his original proposal, viz., that the Upper Mekong should be a boundary across which neither the French to the westward nor the British to the southward should extend their respective spheres of influence. M. Waddington explained that he did not by this mean to say that the present sphere of influence either of France or Great Britain actually extends up to the Mekong at the present moment. His proposal was not an assertion of present rights, but, as he expressed it, a prophylactic. I promised his Excellency that I would solicit an answer from the Government of India on the subject. I am, &C. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 17. Foreign Office to India Office. Sir, Foreign Office, May 14, 1S92. WITH reference to your letter of the 5th April last, I am directed by the Marquis of Salisbury to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for India, a copy of a despatch to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris,* recording a further conver- sation with the French Ambassador at this Court respecting his proposal that the Mekong River should form the limit of British and French influence in the districts adjacent to it. It will be seen that M. Waddington worded his proposal somwehat more definitely on this occasion, limiting it to the Upper Mekong, and suggesting an engagement that the French should in no case extend their sphere of influence to the westward of the river, nor the British to the southward of it. Lord Salisbury has promised to endeavour to obtain an answer from the Government of India to this proposal, and he would be glad if Viscount Cross could favour him with ao opinion as to the terms of the reply. If the proposal is still considered in any respect to be ambiguous, his Lordship will be glad to know what are the points on which a fuller or more definite statement is desired. If the Government of India desire its rejection. Lord Salisbury will be ready to consider carefully any suggestions as to the grounds on which a refusal could be founded. He would, however, deprecate a merely evasive answer, as likely to induce the belief that Her Majesty's Government have designs on the other side of the river, and that speedy action on the part of France is necessary to secure for her a share in the con- templated annexation. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. • No. 16. 14 No. 18. India Office to Foreign Office. — [Received May 27.) Sir, India Office, May 27, 1892. I AM desired by Viscount Cross to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th May relative to M. Waddington's amended proposal that the Upper Mekong should form the limit of British and French influence in the districts adjacent to it, the French engaging in no case to extend their sphere of influence to the westward of the river, nor the British to the southward of it. 2. In reply, J am desired by his Lordship to submit the following observations for the consideration of the Marquis of Salisbury : The State of Kyaing Chaing (a dependency of Kyaington, itself a feudatory of the Indian Government) lies astride of the Mekong; this State has been offered to Siara as a part of the proposals for the demarcation of the northern frontier of Siam. It is not y-et known if Siam will accept the offer. If it is accepted, it is further in contemplation to negotiate with China for the delimitation of the northern frontier of Kyaing Chaing and the Siamese Province of Luang Prabang, where these frontiers abut on Kiang Hung, a State which had feudal relations with Burmah, but which the Government of India proposes to leave to China. On the other hand,, if Siam declines the offer of Kyaing Chaing, that State, which is intersected by the Mekong, will continue to be under British protection. Consequently, for the present, and until the arrangements as to demarcation above alluded to are completed, the exercise of British influence cannot be restricted to the territory lying west of the Mekong. 3. I am to observe, in this connection, that M. Waddington's proposal in regard to the south of the Mekong seems to be made without reference to the course of the river at the point where our interests at present lie. We might advance to the east of it, but not, from our present position, to the south of it. 4. Adhesion to the engagement suggested by the French Ambassador would, it is believed, prove an embarrassment \o Her Majesty's Government, inasmuch as it would interpose di^culties in promoting the demarcation between Siam and China of the Trans-Mekong tracts above specified, while it appears to imply that France, which is still at a considerable distance from the Upper Mekong, might advance in that direction from Tonquin without being exposed to any remonstrance from Her Majesty's Government in consequence of the acceptance of the engagement now proposed. The engagement would thus seem to fetter the action of Her Majesty's Government in certain contingencies, while it would tend to facilitate the progress of the French westwards from Tonquin when- ever they may determine to advance their borders. 5. In these circumstances, I am desired to state that Lord Cross sees no advantage, from an Indian point of view, in acceding to the proposal made by M. Waddington, inasmuch as British influence does extend up to the Mekong by reason of the Kyaington State having placed itself under British protection. I have, &c. (Signed) HORACE WALPOLE. No. 19. Captain Jones to the Marquis of Salisbury. — (Received August 8.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 1, 1892. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that M. Pavie, the recently-appointed French Minister to Siam, arrived here on the 10th of last month, and on the 24th had an audience of the King for the purpose of presenting his credentials as Minister Resident of the French Republic, and of subsequently investing the Crown Prince with the highest grade of the Legion of Honour. His Royal Highness Prince Devawongse received at the same interview the Second Class of this Order. I am assured by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that no proposals for a rectification of the Franco-Siamese boundary have been made to the Siamese Government by the new French Minister. M. Pavie first visited this country in the quality of telegraph clerk in the year 1884, having been sent here by the French Government with som« others to- construct and woric a telegraph line between Saigon and Bangkok. He rapidly distinguished himself by his activity, intelligence, and powers of observation, which led to his being appointed in 1888 French Vice-Consul at Luang Prabang, on the Mekong River. Since then he has been 15 constantly employed in surveying and reporting on the nature of the country lying north-west of the French possessions in Indo-China, and having performed this work to the satisfaction of the French Government he was selected to fill his present position. In his dealings with the natives, wherever he has been placed in this country* M. Pavie has shown himself just and conciliatory, and has succeeded in gaining their good-will and esteem. The Siamese authorities are very favourably inclined towards him, as they have found him, as a rule, considerate and conscientious in his relations with them. I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY M. JONES. I No. 20. The jEarl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, October 26, 1892. THE question of the delimitation of French and British spheres of influence in Indo-Chinese territories was raised by the French Ambassador during an interview which 1 had with his Excellency this afternoon. He told me that he had suggested to Lord Salisbury that the limit between the two spheres should be the Mekong River. Lord Salisbury was inclined to agree to this proposal, but had referred it to the India Office for observations. This was six months ago, and since then nothing further had passed on the subject. I informed M. Waddington that the matter had not been brought to my notice, but that I would lose no time in making inquiries at the India Office. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. 21. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, December 20, 1892. THE French Ambassador again brought before me on the 14th instant the question of the proposed delimitation on the Indo-Chinese frontier of the British and French spheres of influence near the Mekong River. I replied that the matter was receiving the consideration of the India Office, and promised to send his Excellency an answer when their opinion had been received. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. 22. The Earl of Rosebery to M. Waddington. M. FAmbassadeur, Foreign Office, December 23, 1892. I HAVE been in communication with Her Majesty's Secretary of State for India on the proposal which your Excellency made to me in conversation on the 26th October last for a definition of the British and French spheres of influence in the districts adjacent to the Upper Mekong River. The view of your Government, as I understand it, is that the two Powers should bind themselves to one another not to extend their influence beyond that river. In reply, I am able to inform your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government have recently come to an arrangement with that of Siam with regard to the frontier between Burmah and Siam. As a part of this settlement, Great Britain has proposed that Siam should exercise exclusive jurisdiction over the State of Kyaing Cbaing which lies on both sides of the Mekong, and over which the State of Kyaington once had rights. This offer has been accepted by the Siamese Government. The State of Kyaington itself, which has accepted British protection, extends up to the Mekong only in one portion of its frontier, and in this part of its course the river will form the boundary between the British Protectorate . and the Siamese dominions. But 16 nowhere will the British possessions or Protectorate under the recent arrangement extend beyond the River Mekong. Her Majesty's Government are also engaged in discussing with China a delimita- tion of the frontier between that country and Burmah. The proposals made by Her Majesty's Government involve a transfer to China, on certain conditions, of the rights over the Province of Kiang Hung, which Great Britain has acquired in virtue of the annexation of Burmah. A joint British and Siamese Commission is at the present moment engaged in marking the frontier agreed upon between the two countries. If a settlement of the frontier with China on the proposed terms is arrived at. Her Majesty's Government further contemplate offering their assistance to Siam for the demarcation of the northern frontier of the Provihce of Kyaing Chaing, which will be in immediate contiguity to the (vhinese dominions, and they think it would be to the general advantage that the demarcation should be continued with similar assistance along the northern frontier of the Siamese Province of Luang Prabang so far as it abuts on Chinese territory. The above explanations of the intentions of Her Majesty's Government will, I trust, be entirely satisfactory to your Government, but Her Majesty's Government doubt whether, under present circumstances, a specific engagement between France and Great Britain of the nature suggested by your Excellency would be advisable. It would be open to misconstruction, and would, in their opinion, be more likely to excite alarm and suspicion on the part of Siam, than to reassure her as to the intention of the two Powers to respect her integrity. I have, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. 23. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosehery. — (Received February 1 1 .) (Extract.) Paris, February 7, 1893. IN my despatch of the 25th ultimo I forwarded to your Lordship a report of the discussion upon the Foreign Office Estimates with regard to the alleged encroach- ments of the Siamese on districts stated to be under the protection of France on the left bank of the Mekong. The charges brought against the Siamese Government are summed up in a speech of M. Fran9ois Deloncle, contained in the full report of the debate. M. Deloncle asserted that the Siamese persistently ignore the rights of the Kingdoms of Annam and Cambodia over the whole of Laos and the territories situated on the two banks of the Mekong. He maintained that there were no international interests engaged in the matter, as there was only one question at issue with England, as to the Upper Mekong, which there formed the boundary between Tonkin and the Shan States of Burmah, The Government was urged by M. Martineau to send two or three gun-boats up the river from its mouth to Luang Prabang in order to defend the political and commercial interests of France. The Under-Secretary of State said, in reply, that the Government were still of the opinion expressed by their predecessors two years ago, to the effect that the left bank of the Mekong was the western limit of the sphere of French influence, and that this opinion was based on the incontestable rights of Annam, which had been exercised for several centuries. He added that these rights were too important to be abandoned, and too well established for the Siamese to persist in contesting them in the presence of the deter- mination of France to p\it a stop to their violation. No. 24. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Joneb. Sir, _ Foreign Office, February 22, 1893. THE Siamese Minister called on me-to-day to express the regret with which he had read the statements made in the French Chamber respecting the alleged ao-oression of Siam on neighbouring States, and his satisfaction at the answer I had given in the House of Lords with regard to the Mekong boundary. He declared it to be quite untrue that the Siamese Government were guilty of aggression, and stated, in reply to my question, that the local relations between the French and his countrymen were perfectly friendly. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. 17 No. 25. M. Waddington to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received February 23.) M. le Cotnte, Londres, le 22 Fe'vrier, 1893. LE 26 Octobre dernier, j'ai eu I'honneiir de vous rappeler las pourparlers engages par moi avec votre pr^ddcesseur en vue d'^tablir un accord touchant la sitaation respective de la France at de I'Angleterre en Indo-Chine, et j'ai demande k votre Seigneurie de vouloir bien me confirraer les dispositions qu'avait timoignees ^ ce sujet M. le Marquis de Salisbury et qui ont toujours et4 favorables ^ I'idde de limiter la zone d'influence de nos deux pays dans cette partie du monde. Le 23 Decembre suivant, vous avez bien voulu m'adresser par ^crit votre reponse et me declarer que, nuUe part, les possessions ou le Protectorat de la Grande- Bretagne ne s'etendront au dela du Mekong. Je suis charge par mon Gouvernement de prendre acte de cette declaration et je n'aurais qu'a en remercier votre Seigneurie, puisque la limite que vous voulez bien assigner a I'extension h. venir de I'autorit^ Anglaise en Indo-Chine est celie-lk mSme que nous nous dtions spontan^ment declares prets ci reconnaitre et que votre pred^cesseur a accept^, Mais votre Seigneurie ajoute a ces assurances des indications qui, permettez-moi de vous le dire, nous ont caus6 la plus vive surprise. - En effet, vous voulez bien me faire savoir qu'apres avoir suivi avec nous les pourparlers dont j'ai fait mention, c'est avec le Siam que le Gouvernement Britannique a conclu un arrangement dont vous me faites connaltre les points principaux. Get arrangement, dont nous n'avions vegn aucuue notification et que nous ignorions, attribuerait non seulement h I'influence Anglaise les territoires situes sur la rive droite du Haut Mekong, mais il porterait meme atteinte k notre influence sur la rive gauche ou nous avions pourtant expressement et h. diverges reprises declare que Taction d'aucune Puissance Europlenne ne devait, suivant nous, s'exercer en dehors de la ndtre. Ces indications me paraissent Itre en contradiction : — 1. Avec les declarations de votre predecesseur, qui m'a r^petd plusieurs fois, quand, au cours de ces derni^res ann^ea, nous avons discute cette affaire, que I'Angleterre etait encore loin d'atteindre au Mekong et par consequent m'a donne implicitement I'assurance que la question ne pouvait pas se trouver prejugee au cours meme de nos» pourparlers. 2. Avec les declarations qu'a bien voulu me faire votre Seigneurie elle-m^me, dans sa communication preciteei En effet, si I'Angleterre declare homer a la rive droite du Mekong ses pretentions, elle ne peut en m^me temps, semble-t-il, se disposer a exercer son influence ou son intervention sur la rive gauche, C'est pourtant ce qui se produirait si le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste la Reine donnait suite aux projets dont m'entretient votre Seigneurie et d'apr^s lesquels il songerait k ofFrir son assistance au Siam pour le r^glement d'une question de delimitation entre cet Etat et I'Empire Chinois, a Test du Mekong. Ce resultat serait en opposition absolue avec les preoccupations qui avaient engage le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste la Reine et celui de la Republique dans des pourparlers dont nous etions fondes h. considerer le principe comme hors de toute contestation et dont le but etait precisement d'ecarter a I'avance et d'un commun accord, par un arrangement precis, toute possibilite d'un conflit d'influence entre nos deux pays dans ces regions. Pour ce qui nous concerne, notre preoccupation d^s I'origine, il n'est pas inutile de le rappeler en ce moment, a ete, en outre, de sauvegarder I'independance et la neutralite du Siam. C'est dans cette vue que nous avions propose d'abord de reserver h. cet Etat des contrees s'etendant au sud de la fronti^re Chinoise, entre la Salouen et le Mekong d'une part, entre la Nam Hou et le Mekong d'autre part, notre renonciation a toute influence sur les territoires situes a I'ouest du Nam Kou ayant pour contre partie la renonciation de I'Angleterre aux territoires situes h Test de la Salouen. Nous avons plus tard, dans un but de simplification et pour hater, dans I'inter^t commun, une solution, nous avons propose de substituer h nos propositions premieres un projet par lequel les deux pays auraient borne leur sphere d'influence au Mekong, mais les deux pays egalement. Lord Salisbury de son c6te m'a declare plusieurs fois qu'il etait personnellement favorable a cette proposition. Quant h. nos dispositions et k notre mani^re de voir concernant la garantie des interSts du Siam, nous ne les avons modifiees en rien. Les oflTres d'assistance que ferait k cette Puissance le Gouvernement Britannique auraient done incontestablement le caract^re d'une immixtion que nous etions d'accord pour prevenir et qui motiverait par consequent une protestation formelle de notre part. Aussi je veux esperer, M. le Comte, que vous voudrez bien me mettre en mesure d'adresser k mon Gouvernement les eclaircisseraents qui lui sont necessaires sur ce point [591] D 18 et, en in^me temps, que vous verrez comme moi tout avantage a reprendre le plus t6t possible les pourparlers commences entrevotre pred^cesseur et moiet k ies conclure par un accord d^finitif. Ces negocialions ne sauraient, pensons-nous, ^tre interpretees comme impliquant un danger pour le Siam, car elles ont toujours eu a nos yeux et devront conserver pour base la necessity d'assurer I'iadependance de cet Etat. Veuillez, &c. (Signe') WADDINGTON. (Translation.) M. le Comte, London, February 22, 1893. ON the 26th October last I had the honour to remind you of'the conversations which passed between myself and your predecessor with the object of coming to an understanding as to the respective positions of France and England in Indo-China, and I requested your Lordship to be so good as to confirm the views which were expressed on this question by the Marquis of Salisbury, and which always favoured the idea of limiting the sphere of influence of our two countries in that part of the world. On the 23rd December following you kindly sent me a written reply assuring me that nowhere would the possessions or the Protectorate of Great Britain extend on the other side of the Mekong. * I am instructed by my Government to take note of this assurance, and I should only have to express my thanks for it to your Lordship, seeing that the limit which you are good enough to assign to future English authority in Indo-China is precisely that which we had spontaneously declared ourselves ready to recognize, and which your predecessor has accepted. But your Lordship supplements these assurances by intelligence which, permit me to say, has very much surprised us. In fact, you are good enough to inform me that, after having carried on the above- mentioned discussions with us, it is with Siam that the British Government has concluded an arrangement, of which you acquaint me with the principal points. This arrangement, of which we had received no notification, and of which we were in ignorance, would not only assign to English influence the territories situated on the right bank of the Upper Mekong, but would even damage our influence on the left bank, although we had declared expressly and on various occasions that no European Power, except ourselves, should, in our opinion, take any action there. This intelligence appears to me to be in contradiction — 1. With the statements of your predecessor, who, when, in the course of recent years, we discussed this question, repeated to me several times that England was still far from touchiiig the Mekong, and who consequently assured me implicitly that the question could not be prejudged during the course of our discussions. 2. With the statements made to me by your Lordship himself^ in your communication referred to above. Indeed, if England declares her pretensions to be limited to the right bank of the Mekong, she cannot simultaneously, it would seem, arrange to exercise her influence or her intervention on the left bank. Still, this is what would happen if the Queen's Government gave effect to the designs mentioned to me by your Lordship, according to which they would contemplate offering their assistance to Siam for the settlement of a boundary question between that State and the Chinese Empire to the east of the Mekong. This result would be in absolute opposition to the objects which brought about the discussions between the Queen's Government and that of the Republic, the principle of which we were warranted in considering as beyond all dispute, and the object of which was precisely to remove beforehand and by mutual agreement, by means of a precise arrangement, all possibility of a conflict of influence between our two countries in those regions. As regards ourselves, our object from the outset, which it is not amiss to recall to mind at the present moment, was, further, to preserve the independence and the neutrality of Siam. It is with this view that we originally proposed to reserve to that State districts lying to the south of the Chinese frontier, between the Salweeo and the Mekong on the one side, between the Nam U and the Mekong on the other, our abandonment of nil influence over the territories situated to the west of the Nam U being set against the abandonment by England of the territories situated to the east of the Salween! In order to simplify matters and expedite a solution, in the common ititerest, we proposed, later, to substitute for our first proposals a scheme by which the two countries should restrict their spheres of influence to the Mekong, but the two countries equally. ^ Lord Salisbury, for his part, declared to me several times that personally he was in favour of this proposal. As regards our arrangements and views 19 respectin n * u «„^ !,„„ DAiirir 4. c ir»u °\rignts Her Maiesty s Government have and her Protectorate of Kyanorton. Some of those^<' • , •', •' . • ,•.. o— „^ At. J i o- J iu iL i.1. >posm" to cede on certain conditions arranged to cede to oiam, and the others they are profvT .^ .1 ti uo *u ^„ ri.^„ rp, , e ^^ I • J *u • • t '^ .• ■'^ to the French Government, who to China. They have frankly explained their intention^Nr^g^g ^^ iealousv on the part of will see that they are not of a nature to give rise to uneasiiv ^ ] A nth France. But until these arrangements are completed, and tB\^ x -.i j * au „ jr.'. 1 .. p ?, . r .u o u n , 'vnment with regard to the more definite explanations ot the views of the rrench Govei. * xu th t th • ' frontiers of Siara on the east and north-east, it does not seeS^ ^ f 'th a sufficiently clear basis for a formal engagement between the t^ . regard to their respective interests and spheres of influence in these r^ „ ,„. i^"*^®' VROSEBERY. (Signed) \ ^s Fo. 31. \ The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosehery. — {Received April 6/ My Lord, Paris, ApriV^f ^?^^' WITH reference to my despatch of the 7th ultimo, I have the honour ^ ^"J'?^^ herewith to your Lordship an extract from the " Matin " of to-day's date, which 9°^ ^}^^ a telegram announcing the occupation by the French of Stung- Treng, at the coii''^'^ "'^ of the Mekong and Se-Sane Rivers. \ I have, &c. \_^ (Signed) DUFFERIN and A,^^' Inclosure in No. 31. Extract from " Le Matin " of April 5, 1893. Stting-Treng. — Le D^,bla.iement de la Rive Gatjchb du Mekong. — ^tP"1s que les patriotes rougissent de honte au spectacle de nos miseres int^rieiires, ils re9oii^ des pays les plus loiptains d'heureuses consolations. M. Delcasse recevait hier la dep^che suivante : — " Saigon, le 3 Avrii " Conform^ment a vos instructions et h la suite des mesures que j'ai prises, Stui Treng a ete occupe Samedi sans coup ferir par nos troupes. 1 " Le Commissaire et les soldats Siamois se sont retires sur I'invitation du R^sidf"* Fran^ais qui dirigeait I'operation." (Translation.) Sttjng-Tebng. — Cleaking the Leet Bank of the Mekong. — While patriots f^^ blushing at the sight of our troubles at home, they are consoled by good tidings wlij reach them from the most distant countries. >> M. Delcasse received the following telegram yesterday : — " Saigon, April ^ " In accordance with your instructions, and in consequence of the measures 1 h^^® taken, Stung-Treng was occupied on Saturday by our troops without striking a blow. / "The Siamese Commissioner and soldiers retired at the summons of the Frei'°^ Resident, who was conducting the operation." i No. 32. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery. — {Received April 6.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, April Q, \ SIAMESE Government are firmly resisting French demands. French Minis announced that another gun-boat may shortly be expected. No. 33. y- Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery. — (Received April 7<0 (Telegraphic.) BangJ^ok, April 7, 1893. THE armed occupation of Stung-Treng, a town on Siair^se territory, by the Frencli on 1st instant is confirmed by our Consul at Saigon. \ 23 1^0. 34. The Marquis of Dufferiu to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received April 12.) My Lord, Paris, April 10, 1893. I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith, extracted from the " Matin " of this date, copy of a telegram which has been received at the French Colonial Office from the Governor of Tonkin, announcing the occupation by the French troops of the Island of Khone. * I have &c (Signed) ' DUFFEEm and AVA. Inclosure in E"o. 34. Extract from the " Matin " of the 10th April, 1893. NouvEAU Succiis. — Prise de Ii'Ile de Kh6ne. — TJne Dep^che db M. de Lanessan. — M. Delcasse, Sous-Secretaire d'fitat aux Colonies, vient de recevoir de M. de Lanessan la depeche suivante, datee de Saigon, 8 Avril : — " L'lle de Khone a ete occup6e par nos troupes sans coup ferir le 4 Avril. Le Commissaire et les soldats Siamois se sont retires sur I'invitation du Eesident Frangais. "Notre installation est dejk faite ^ Stung-Treng et a Kh6ne." (Translation.) Further Success. — Occupation op the Island op Kh6ne.— A Despatch from M. DE Lanessan. — M. Delcasse, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, has just received the following telegram from M. Lanessan, dated Saigon, 8th April : — " Our troops have occupied the Island of Kh6ne on the 4th April, without firing a shot. The Siamese Commissioner and soldiers retired at the request of the French Resident. " We have already taken up our positions at Stung-Treng and Kh6ne." -^- rri m^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^iMii t- i i ■ mi n^^^^^im i i.i iii— iii ii— ^—^ra— i ■immi^^m^^^^ihiib i ■. i iii i ■!■ '■ ISo. 35. Vice- Admiral Sir E. Fremantle to Admiralty. — (Communicated to Foreign Office, April 12.) (Telegraphic.) Hong Kong, April 12, 1893. THE Senior Officer at Singapore has been informed by a Siamese Prince that the French have attacked the borders of Siam, and that serious apprehensions are involved by tlie situation. Further complications are considered probable by the British Minister. One French boat is oflF the town of Bangkok, with the Commodore, and another at the mouth of the river. I propose to send Her Majesty's ship " Swift " to watch the course of events in that quarter. No. 36. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, April 12, 1893. THE Siamese Legation in London appear to be much disquieted with regard to the proceedings of the French. "* I have been expecting to receive information from you as to the exact nature of the French demands and the counter-proposals of the Siamese Government. I should be glad to know whether there have been indications on the part of the French gun-boat now at Bangkok to adopt forcible measures. It seems scarcely likely that the French Government intend to push matters with the Siamese to extremes, further than by occupving the territory to which they lay claim, but I should wish to hear your view of the situation. 2-» No. y;. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. Sir,; Foreign Office, April 12, 1893. T 'RECEIVED on the 7th instant a pressing request for an interview from the Siamese Minister. As I was unfortunately unable to receive the Minister, Mr. Verney, the English Secretary of the Siamese Legation, called in the course of the afternoon, and communi- cated a telegram Iroin the Siamese Minister for Foreign Affairs, of which the following is the substance : — The modus vivendi proposed by Siam has been refused by France, who insists upon the withdrawal ofithe Siamese military and official posts east of the Mekong. In their place Annamite posts will be set up, and the French claims will be pushed forward as far as possible. The Siamese Government are unable to grant the terms asked, but will be ready to submit Ihe matter to international arbitration. The French gun-boat now at Bangkok evidently intends to remain there, and another gun-boat now on the way is expected to arrive on the 8th instant. Although friendly intentions towards Siam ai;e professed, there is every appearance of forcing unacceptable terms upon the Siamese Government by menaces. Negotiations between the two parties are still pending, but the Siamese Government are determined to resist to the utmost. The present state of affairs is much more serious than was anticipated, and the Siamese Government are anxious lest excitement should be caused by the presence of French gun-boats at Bangkok and in the centre of trade, and thus injure the interests of all nations concerned. The Siamese Minister was instructed to see me at once, and ascertain the attitude of Her Majesty's Government. Mr. Verney called again on the 10th instant, and repeated the Minister's request for an interview. He stated that a fresh telegram had been received from the Siamese Govern- ment to the effect that it was urgent that a protest against the proceedings of the French should at once be presented. My answer to these communications was to the effect that I regretted sincerely to hear that the relations between France and Siam had assumed so unsatisfactory an aspect, but that I doubted whether the intervention of Her Majesty's Government would tend to improve matters. Arbitration could, of course, only be resorted to if both parties agreed to accept it. It was equally a matter Qf experience that mediation was rarely, if ever, successful unless both parties desired it, and that an unsuccessful attempt at mediation tended only to embitter the dispute. The Minister must be aware of the unfounded allegations in the French press that the British Government had, for purposes of their own, been encouraging the Siamese Government to assume an aggressive attitude towards France. These statements and suspicions, however groundless, made it unlikely that representations by Her Majesty's Government on behalf of Siam would tend to allay any irritation which might exist on the part of the French Government. I thought, therefore, that it would be more, prudent if the Siamese Minister refrained from asking for an official interview, which was sure to be noticed in the press, and confined himself to informal communications through Mr. Verney. As regards the protest mentioned in the telegram, it seemed to me that it must be to the French Government that it was to be presented. In the event of its being disregarded, ihe Siamese Government had still the alternative of appealing generally to all the friendly Powers with whom Siam is in diplomatic relations, but before taking so serious a step they would, I thought, do wisely to warn the French Government of their intention. I have suggested that it would be desirable that I should be made acquainted with the exact nature of the French demands, of which we have at present only the vaguest intimation, and a knowledge of which is essential to the proper consideration of the matter. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. 2f) No. 38. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received April 13.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, April 13, 1893. NOTICE has been given by the French Minister here that Stung-Treng has been occupied by the French Government, and also the Island of Kong, in the disputed territory below the rapids, with the object of transporting steamers to the upper waters of the River Mekong. The second French gun-boat, together with the Commodore, are returning to-day to Cochin China. ISo. 39. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received April 13.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, April 13, 1893. I HAVE received your Lordship's telegram of the 12th instant. The French demands up to the present time are as follows : — 1. The immediate evacuation by the Siamese of all the posts established since 1888 on assumed Annamite territory. 2. The immediate release of a Siamese subject who was put into prison by the Siamese Government in 1890 for having raised the French flag on assumed Annamite territory. 3. The payment to certain French traders of heavy compensation on account of losses which they allege they have sustained owing to the action of Siamese officials in the provinces in the interior. Still, I am inclined to believe that the recent seizures effected by the French on the Lower Mekong will allow them to remain satisfied for the present. Fo. 40. Foreign Office to Admiralty. Sir, Foreign Office, April 13, 1893. I HAVE laid before the Earl of Eosebery your letter of yesterday, inclosing the paraphrase of a telegram from the Commander-in-chief of Her Majesty's naval forces on the China Station in regard to the political situation in Siam, and the proceedings of the French in that country.* I am to request that you will state to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that his Lordship concurs in the proposal of the Coiiimander-in-chief to send Her Majesty's ship " Swift " to watch the course of events at Bangkok. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 41. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received April 14.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, April \A, \S^2. I HAVE the honour to report, in continuation of my preceding telegram on the questions at issue between France and Siam, that the Siamese continue to maintain their original proposals, viz. : — 1. The provisional neutralization of the belt of territory within which the frontier common to both countries will be determined. 2. Actual occupation, modified by such prior rights as may be proved by either one party or the other, shall constitute the basis of possession. 3. A reference to international arbitration of all questions which it shall be found cannot be possibly settled otherwise. The French gun-boat sent to Bangkok in the first instance still remains here. * Jfo. 35, j[5911 E 26 No. 42. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received 4p^i^ 20.) (Telegr^pliio.) Bangkok, April Wf l-^93' ®f?W §t Baiigko]f fj.'pm Sing%p9r§. [^veyyt^pig pq^pefij}. No. 43. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — (Received April 22.) Sir, Admiralty, April 22, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of th^ Secretary of Sta,te for JPorpigij Affairs, the paraphrase of a telegram, dated 22nd April, from the 'Oommanderrin-chief on the China Station. I am, &c. (3ign#4) ^YAN MACaiiEGOR. Inclosure in No. 43. Vice-Admiral Sir E. Fremantle to Admiralty. (fpliBgpaphic.) Hongkong, April 22, 1893, 5 a.m. I H4"VE received a te^egra^ ^V^M the Officer (Signed) ' WADDTNGTON. No. 50. Consul Tremlett to the Earl of Rosebery, — (Received May 6.) My Lord, Saigon, April 9, 1893. I HAVE the honour to confirm my telegram of the 6th instant reporting the occu- pation of Stung-Treng. Rumours of this occupation had been current for some days, but so many reports are rife here, destitute of any foundation, I did not telegraph until the text of the Resident's Message was published. I shall inclose other news if published in time. Reports vary as to the actual number of men (native infantry) sent to the scene — 400 to 1,000. I favour the smaller number. The small gun-boat " Com^te " is being fitted out for Bangkok, where the " Lutin " remains. It is also reported that some troops will be sent out from France. I have, &c. (Signed) CHAS. F. TREMLETT, No. 51. Count Metternich to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received May 8.) Pear Lord Rosebery, London, May 5, 1893. COUNT HATZFELDT has informed the Imperial Government that in the conversation which he had with you about a week ago, and where the menacing conflict between France and Siam was also touched upon, you had kindly offered the protection by the English man-of-war in the Siamese waters of the German subjects in Siam in case of need. We shall, if necessary, gladly accept your offer, and I am desired by Count Hatzfeldt to inform you that he is instructed, to express to you the Imperial Government's best thanks for your kind offer. Believe me, &c. (Signed) P. METTERNICH. No. 52. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received May 12.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, May 12, 1893. THE French have been attacked in the Island of Khone, and the inhabitants of the valley of the Lower Mekong are rising against them. Casualties amongsf the European officers are reported from Saigon, and 1,000 men are leaving to reinforce the French troops on the frontier. 80 No. 52*. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, May 12, 1893. NEWS having been received to-day from Bangkok that the Siainese had aittacked the French in the Island of Khong in the Lower Mekong VaUey, and inflicted some loss on them, I thought it desirable, in view of the statements in the Pfench press that the Siamese had been encouraged in their opposition to France by Her Majesty's Government, that the French Government should be made aware of the nature of the advice that I had given to Siam. Sir P. Ourrie, accordingly, by my desire, while expressing to M. d'Estournelles my regret at the news of the fighting on the Mekong, informed him of the substance of the advice given to the Siamese Eepresentative. M. d'Estournelles expressed his gratitude for this communicationy and said that he would at once transmit it to M. Develle. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBEEY. No. 53. The Earl of Rosebery to Baron, d'Estoittnelles. M. ie Charge d' Affaires, Foreign Office, May 12, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note addressed to rtie by M. Waddington on the 30th ultimo respecting certain communications which had passed between his Excellency and my predecessor on the respective spheres of influence of Great Britain and France in the neighbourhood of the Mekong, and which his Excellency considers to be incorrectly described in my note of the 3rd of that month. M. Waddington refers in the first place to a conversation which took place between him and Lord Salisbury on the 4th April, 1889, and in the course of which he states that he proposed that the Salween should form the frontier between the British possessions and Siam throughout its course to the north, while the Mekong should form the eastern frontier of Siam from the limits of Cambodia up to a point to be fixed below Luang Prabang, that that place with a certain amount of territory to be determined should belong to Siam, and that the frontier should then follow the course of the Nam Ou northwards up to the Chinese frontier. i transniiit to you herewith a copy of a despatch from Lord Salisbury to the Earl ol Lytton,* which appears to be a record of this conversation, but which is dated the 3rd April, 1889, and states that the interview had taken place on that afternoon. The terms of M. Waddington's proposal are given somewhat differently, but there is nothing in Lord feahsbury's description of it which conflicts with M. Waddington's statement, and I: have only to thank his Excellency for supplying some further particulars which Lord Salisbury omitted to record. of the conversation to which his Excellency next refers, and which took place on the 16th February, 1 892, I find a record in a despatch to Mr. Egerton of that date, of which I also inclose a copy.f Lord Salisbury appears to have understood that the proposal made to him on that occasion was put forward unoflicially, and not formally, and he states that he spoke of it as one of which it was impossible for hira to judge without consulting Departments immediately concerned. Of the conversation which M. Waddington describes as having taken place on the- 11th May, 1892j a record exists in a despatch to the Marquis of Dufferin^ dated the previous day, as you will see by the inclosed copy of this despatch. $ Lord Salisbury does not mention that he offered any opinion on the proposal. M. Waddington states that Lord Salisbury on this and other occasions expressed himself as personally fiavourable to it, but I understand that Lord Salisbury does not himself recollect having said more than that an arrangement on the subject between the two Powers was desirable. In any case it would be very natural that his Lordship should have thought it unnecessary to place on official record an observation of this nature which could have no ground or binding effect, • No. 3. t No. 14. % No. 16. 31 as he had made it clearly understood that a depisioa could only be taken %fter the views of the Secretary of State tpr India had been received and considered, I tliink it will be clear from the above that, with the exception of a slight and unimportant discrepancy as to the exact days on which two of the conversations took place, the account of them given in Lord Salisbury's despatches and in my note of the 3rd ultimo substantially agrees with that given by M. Waddington, although certain details were wanting which I am obliged to his Excellency for supplying. I have, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. Np.. 54, Foreign Office to Admiralty. Sir, Foreign Office, Mm ^^% 1§93, I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to state thaf;, iq a recent conversation with the German Ambassador, his Lordship offered t^at, in the event of conuplications arising between France and Siam, Her Majesty's ships of war in Siamese watpr§ should, in pasi? of need, undertake the protection of German subjects in those parts. Count Hatzfeldt, having referred this suggestion to the Imperial Government, h^s stated that it is gladly accepted, and has expressed their best thanks for the same. lAord Rosebery would be glad if the Lords Conjmissioners of the Admjralty would igsue the requisite instructions on this subject to the Senior Naval OfScer in Sianjegg Wd'ters, I ani, &c, (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 55. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jone^f Sir, Foreign Office, May 13, 1893. MR. VERNEY called at the Foreign Office this afternoon, and was infpyined of the substance of your telegram of yesterday as to the attack made on the French pjositions at Khone. Mr. Vemey said that the Siamese Minister at Paris had endeavoured to obtain from M. Develle a statement of the French demands, but that M. Develle had pn.t him off by saying that the papers were not coniplete, and that the niatter must wait for a few days. The Siamese Minister had warned ]Vf . Develle that the Siaipese ^n4 French forces were in dangerous proximity, an4 that it was difficult for the Siame^p Qpvernment at Bangkok to keep their officers under control ^t such a distance. Mr. Verney added that he was sure that the Si3.mese Grpvernment were not the instigators of this attack, bnt that there Fere in the Mekong distript a number pf hp,lf, Ravage tribes who were ready to take an opportunity to create disturbance. He said he was going orer to Paris for a few days, and it was suggestepl that it ]3ro);ld )?e lyise tp telegraph to Bapgkok for soine expla}jp,tip^ lyhich WQiild hp pffered tp the |'f^flJ9h QoY&pmm^ of Ti^ftt had occurred. I sm, &Q. (Signed) ROSEPERY. No. 56. Consul Tremlett to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received May 15.) My Lord, _ Saigon, April 14, 1893. I HAVE the honour to inclose extract from a Saigon newspaper concerning the occupation of the Island of Khone, near Stung-Treng. A road has been started from Thu-du-Mot (18 milesi from Saigon) to Kratie on 32 the Mekong, and the work is proceeding fast. The direction is about north-west by north, and the distance 95 miles, but no doubt the river will always prove the most useful route. I have, &c. (Signed) 0. ^E, TEEMLETT. Inclosure in No. 56. Extract from " VIndependant de CochincUne " of April 11, 1893. M. LE VIOE-EfiSIDENT BASTARD telegraphic de Khone, a la date du 7 Avril, que la tranquillity est parfaite dans toute la region et que les habitants se mettent librement a sa disposition pour tous les travaux a faire. Occupation de l'Ile de Khone.— L'lle de Khone a et6 occupee par les troupes Frangaises a la date du 4 Avril. Apr§s avoir occup^ Stung-Treng, le 1" Avril, et en avoir fait retirer, sans coup ferir, le Commissaire et les soldats SiamoisJ M. le Vice-Resident Bastard et le Capitaine Tboreux ont continue rapidement leur marche vers Khone. lis avaient eu soin, bien entendu, de laisser a Stung-Treng une garnison sous le commandemeat du Lieutenant Moreau. A I'arrivee a Khone le 4 Avril, M. Bastard a invite le Commissaire Siamois a ceder la place en lui faisant connaltre qu'iL venait occuper l'lle ^ar ordre du Gouverneur-.General de I'lndo-Chine et en execution des decisions du Gouvernement Erangais. Le Commissaire Siamois et ses soldats se sent retires et ont abandonne l'lle sans essayer aucune resistance. II a ete aussit6t precede a notre installation definitive et le Capitaine Thoreux a organise les travaux de defense de fagon a rendre toute agression impossible. M. le Gouvemeur-General avait deja donne les ordres necessaires pour que la ligne teiegraphique donfc le point terminus est actuellement Sambor soit prolongee sur la rive gauche du Mekong jusqu'a Stung-Treng et Khone. Materiel necessaire envoye de Saigon, avait ete echelonne sur divers emplacements., M. de Coulgeans qui a accompagne M. Bastard jusqu'a Khone vient de redescendre a Sambor pour diriger la construction de la ligne. La pose du ;fil est d^s maintenant commencee et sera menee rapidement. D'autre part, le Resident Superieur du Cambodge est charge d'etablir une bonne route longeant le fleuve entre Kratie, Sambor, et Stung-Treng, tandis que les travaux de la route de Thudaumot a Kratie, deja entames, seront pousses aussi activement que possible. M. Bastard, qui a la direction des affaires dans la region nouvellement occupee, redescendra prochainement a Stung-Treng pour organiser deflnitivement ce poste ; et de la k Thboung-kla, point situe a moitie chemin entre Stung-Treng et Sambor oh il doit creer un poste de surveillance intermediaire qui f acilitera beaucoup les rivitaille- ments. II remontera ensuite a Khone oii il aura a etablir une voie DecauviUe permettant de faire passer a travers l'lle, du bief interieur au bief superieur du Mekong, les trongons des bateaux a vapeur demontables destines a la navigation dans le haut fleuve. La construction de ces bateaux, commandes a I'avance, est aujourd'hui presque terminee. Les trongons seront transportes a Khone d5s que I'epoque des hautes eaux le permettra et y trouveront pret tout le materiel necessaire a la traversee de l'lle et au remontage. Tout est done dores et deja combine pour nous donner la certitude que les bateaux a vapeur de la Erance feront leur apparition dans le bief superieur du Mekong, dans le deiai le plus href possible. No. 57. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received May 16.) My Lord, Pom, May 15, 1893. I HAVE the honour to inclose an article, apparently ofBcially inspired, which appears in the " Temps " of this day, relative to the questions at issue between Siam p,nd Erance, 33 A telegram from Toulon is also published stating that a transport about to proceed to French Indo-Annam has been delayed until the 16th instant for the embarkation of a reinforcement of 224 men, who are intended for any operation ■which may be necessary. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFEEIN and AVA. Inclosure in No. 57. Extract from the " Temps " of May 15, 1893. IL y a quelques jours la Legation de Siam a Paris adressait un communique au sujet des achats de materiel de guerre ' que Ton disait avoir 6t6 effectu^s par le Gouvernement Siamois en Autriche et en Angleterre. Elle ajoutait dans sa note qu'^ Bangkok on n'envisageait nuUement " I'^ventualite du conflit avec la France, et que, bien plus, on avait toutes raisons d'etre convaincu que la question de fronti^re allait ^tre definitivement reglee a I'amiable." On doit rapprocher ces declarations du fait qui a 6t6 signale hier, a savoir, I'attaque par des bandes Siamoises du convoi de ravitaillement envoys de Oochinchine a la petite colonne qui, sous la direction de M. Bastard, B(5sident de France, et sous le commandement du Capitaine Thoreux, occupe I'lle de Khong. On ignore encore a Paris les conditions dans lesquelles se serait produite cette attaque. M. Delcasse, Sous-Secretaire d'Stat aux Colonies, a telegraphic, d6s hier matin, a M. de Lanessan pour lui demander un complement d'information sur cet incident, dont la nouvelle est parvenue a Paris par le service de la marine en Cochin- chine. La reponse du Gouverneur-GCnCral n'est pas encore arrivCe. On salt que M. de Lanessan est en ce moment au Tonkin, ou il a cru devoir se rendre aprds avoir regie les affaires Cochinchinoises, et donn6 les ordres pour la direction des demonstra- tions dans le Mekong. ' Ces operations etaient ou devaient 6tre des mouvements preiiminaires, et avaient pour but de montrer nettement au Gouvernement Siamois que nous etions rCsolus a mettre un terme a ses empi^tements sur les territoires de I'Annam et du Cambodge. Or, les fonctionnaires Siamois qui dirigeaient les postes de Stung-Treng et de Khong, dans le Cambodge, de So-Sang, dans I'Annam, s'etaient retires d6s I'arrivee de nos agents. lis agissaient ainsi, sans nul doute, conformement auX instructions regues de Bangkok. On se demandera dfes lors si I'attaque du convoi de ravitaillement de notre poste de Khong est le rCsultat de I'exces de z61e d'un fonctionnaire Siamois ou I'indice d'un revii-ement dans I'attitude du Gouvernement Siamois. Nous ne pouvons supposer, pour le moment, que cette derni^re explication soit la vraie. La Cour de Bangkok s'exposerait a de cruels mecomptes si elle supposait qu'il lui serait loisible de jouer impunement un double jeu : negocier ou paraltre negocier soit a Paris, soit a Bangkok, alors que ses fonctionnaires et les bandes qu'elle entretient dans la valMe du Mekong se livreraient a des attaques a main armCe centre nos agents. Notre Gouvernement a fait preuve d'une grande longanimite dans le rfeglement de la question du Siam. II a evite tout ce qui pouvait rendre aigu le conflit survenu entre les deux pays, et son attitude ultra-conciliante lui a meme valu certaines critiques au sein meme du Parlement, critiques que ne lui ont pas mCnage, en outre, certains organes reactionn aires parfaitement edairCs sur notre situation vraie en Indo- Chine, a la suite des enquetes et des voyages d'un explorateur Princier. Aujourd'hui I'heure est venue d'examiner les moyens pratiques de resoudre la litige. Le Siam' pent desavouer ses fonctionnaires, et permettre au Gouvernement Franpais de donner satisfaction aux legitimes reclamations de nos proteges, le Cambodge et I'Annam. Mais, d' autre part, la Cour de Bangkok peut se croire en etat de tenir tete a la France, en provoquant un conflit arme dans le Mekong, ce qui, dans son esprit, pourrait creer au Gouvernement Frangais des dif&cultes interieures analogues a celles qui se sont produites en 1881 lors des affaires de Tunisie, en 1885 Jors des affaires du. Tonkin, et en 1889 lors des premieres affaires du Dahomey. Si telles sont ses idCes, nous ne craignons pas de dire qu'elle fait fausse route. L'opinion publique en France salt, precisement par ces dures experiences, que le meilleur precede pour emp^cher les incendies de se propager, c'est d'en eteindre rapidement les preipiers elements, Ai^ssi. le Gouvernejiaent Siamois peut etre assure ■ m) f 34 ,1S93. 1 HAVh the honour to acquamt your Lordship with the following details in connection with the recent events which have occurred in the districts to the east of the Mekong. As the communication between these provinces and the capital are imperfect and irregular, they are somewhat disjointed, and much of the information I have learnt from Her Majesty's Consul at Saigon and the French journals there. About the time when the French in the south were moving on' Stung^Treno- and the Island of Khone in the Mekong, M. Lanessan, the Governor-General, who wa^'s then at Hu^ "1 Annam, telegraphed to his Vice-Gerant at Saigon to the effect that he had already 47 dispatched 400 troops across the mountains to compel the Siamese to evacuate the positions they persisted in occupying on alleged Annamite territory. The garrison of the nearest post — consisting, it appears, of about forty men under a Siames^ officer, without instructions or knowledge of the changed relations between the two States — evacuated the post and retired on the Mekong, and M. Lanessan, encouraged by this success, expressed his belief that he would succeed in annexing the whole of the territory in dispute without firing a shot. When the French advanced on Stung-Treng, the Siamese force there numbered about fourteen men (there was no garrison in the Island of Khone), which withdrew to the uorthward, and at once notified to the Siamese Governor at Bassac the intelligence of the French encroachments, who forthwith dispatched the force at hand — about 800 men — to drive the French out of the island. The Siamese seem to have attacked the French on the 5th May, and, according to their statement, they first summoned them to retire, but were received with a volley, to which they replied, killing, at least, one officer and several men (Annamese). The exact list of casualties we do not yet know. The Siamese say that of their men three only v/ere killed or wounded. Rumours from Saigon report the French losses as serious, but no details are given. The situation was considered serious enough, however, to warrant the dispatch of reinforcements from Cambodia to the number of 1,000 men, of whom half are said to be Europeans. Our Consul, writing from Saigon, states there was a general impression there that Stung-Treng had been reoecupied by the Siamese, but nothing of this is known here. M. Pavie affiected absolute ignorance of all these matters, and begged the Siamese , Ministers to inform him of what they knew respecting the afikir. It appears that the same party of Siamese engaged at Khone, reconnoitring lower down the river, surprised a party of coolies, under a French officer, Captain Thoreau, con- veying stores to the garrison at Khone. The coolies at once abandoned their loads, which fell into the hands of the Siamese, along with the person of the officer, who is now prisoner at Bassac. M. Lanessan, in his despatch above referred to, likewise mentioned his intention of • sending several armed parties throughout the districts on the east of the Mekong, with the object of driving out the Siamese, and announcing to the natives their new status. Another French gun-boat is expected here from Japan, and the French press afi'ect to believe that the entire fleet will follow shortly after. The Siamese continue to strengthen their works at the mouth of the Menam, and are expecting the arrival daily of some cargoes of arms and ammunition. Events have followed on one another so rapidly here of late as to leave them little or no time for preparation, and it is believed that the stock of ammunition for the heavy ordnance is very inadequate. No. 96. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 27.) My Lord, Paris, June 26, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship the text of a telegram, published this day, reporting the occupation by the French of the Islands of Kong and Eong-Salem, in the Bay of Kompong-Som. I have, &c. (Signed) E. C. H. PHIPPS. Inclosure in No. 96, Newspaper Extract. M. DELCASSE vient de recevoir du G-ouverneur-Grdneral de ITndo-Chine la depeche euivante : — "Do-Son, le 24 Juin, 1893. " Nous avons procede, les 17 et 18 Juin, a I'occupation des lies Eong et Rong- Salem, toutes deux tr^s imporfcatites, mais particuli^rement la derni^re, parce qu'elles defendent une bale qui constitue un excellent mouillage. "L'op^ration s'est effeetu^e sans incident. Le 15 Juin, une canonnifere Siamoise s'est approchee de ITle Samit, que nous ayoiris occijpee deux jours aupeii:3,vant, Sai^s 48 s'arr^ter, elle a dirige vers Pile un canot avec six hommes. Notre poste, apr^s ravoir inutilement invitee k ne pas avancer, a tire enfin sur rembarcation, qui s'est alors d^cid^e k regagner la te^re." Lea lies Eong et Eong-Salem sont situees toutes deux sans la baie de Kompong- Som, le seul mouillage important que puisse trouver notrc division navale sur tout? la c6te Cambodgienne. L'unique port qu'elle renferme, en efFet, Kampot, n'est accessible qu'aux jonques Annamites ou Siamoises. L'lle de Rong-Salem est dotee en outre elle-meme d'une baie spacieuse. Si l'lle Samit, qui commande la pointe du meme nom, constitue un excellent poste d'observation sur le Golfe de Siam, les deux iles qui viennent d'etre occupees nous assurent la possession incontestee de la baie de Kompong-Som. Les Siamois, on I'a vu, s'ils n'avaient etd devanc^s, ne se seraient point fait faute d'occuper ces diffi^rents points. Eg. 97. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received June 27.) My Lord, 28, Fendkurch Street, London, June 26, 1893. WE have the honour to bring to your Lordship's notice the telegram which appears in the " Times " to-day, as follows : — " Rangoon, June 25. " A telegram from Bangkok states that the Consul has advised British subjects there that a blockade is probable. The Chinese are accordingly laying in a fortnight's supply of rice." This message seems to us to confirm a telegram we received from our Manager in Bangkok, dated the 22nd June, in which he says : — " Have reason to expect closing of port in a short time. Every prospect of French attacking Bangkok." These ominous telegrams are further supported by the message from the Governor- General of Indo-China to the French Cabinet, announcing the occupation of two islands in the Gulf of Siam which command the entrance to the gulf. We need hardly point out to your Lordship that these menacing movements on the part of the French must have a seriously disturbing effect on the trade of Bangkok, and as three-fourths of that trade are in the hands of British subjects, we would respectfully urge on your Lordship the necessity for taking measures that may lead to a speedy and amicable settlement of the differences existing between the French and Siamese Govern- ments. It is in our opinion extremely probable that any hostile measures, such as a blockade of the port of Bangkok, would give rise to rioting on the part ot the lower classes of the Chinese population, gravely endangering the lives and property of foreign residents. We have, &c. For Borneo Company (Limited), (Signed) F. RICHARDSON, Chairman. No. 98. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 27.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London, June 26, 1893. SINCE writing the inclosed letter we have received the following telegram from our Manager in Bangkok, dated to-day, which we forward for your Lordship's information : — " Siamese Government have begun closing river mouth, with the exception of, for the present, a narrow opening. 10,000 men have arrived in Bangkok from the paddy- fields." We have, &c. For Borneo Company (Limited), (Signed) F. RICHARDSON, Chairman. 49 No. 99. Foreign Office to Admiralty. Sir, Foreign Office^^June 27, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to transmit to you herewith the paraphrase of a telegram which has been received from Captain Jones,* in reply to an inquiry as to whether the two British ships, which were believed to be at Bangkok, would be sufficient for protecting British subjects and for suppressing a Chinese rising in case of need. The Lords of the Admiralty will observe from the inclosed message that only one man-of-war has remained at Bangkok. Lord Eosebery would therefore suggest that Her Majesty's ships " Pallas " and " Pigmy," which are understood to be lying at Singapore, should both be dispatched to Bangkok as soon as possible. I am, &c. (Signed) P. CURRIE. No. 100. Foreign Office to Messrs. Wallace Brothers. Gentlemen, Foreign Office, June 27, 1893. THE Earl of Rosebery has received your letters of the i9th and 22nd instant, in which attention is called to the position of affairs at Bangkok, and it is suggested that British ships should be sent there to assist in maintaining order. I am directed by his Lordship to inform you, in reply, that Her Majesty's Minister in Siam is in frequent communication with this Office, and that if he considered that the situation at Bangkok was critical, he would, no doubt, report to that effect by telegraph. 1 am to add that a British man-of-war is at present stationed in the Bangkok River for the px'otection of the lives and property of British subjects in case of emergency, and that that vessel is about to be reinforced. I am, &c. (Signed) P. CURRIE. No. 101. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 28.) My Lord, Paris, June 27, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship the text of a telegram, published this day, from the Governor-General of French Indo-China respecting the recent murder of Inspector Grosgurin and his escort in Siam. I have, &c. (Signed) E. C. H. PHIPPS. Inclosure in No. 101. Newspaper Extract. M. DELCASSE vient de recevoir de M. de Lanessan le t^ldgramme suivant, qui confirme la trahison de Kenkiec, et fait connaitre les circonstances dans lesquelles elle s'est produite : — "^***'\* " Haiphong, le 25 Juin, 1893\-' J^ "Le Resident Luce vient d'arriver. II m'a confirme tous les renseignements-* e^ toutes ]es appreciations que je vous avais telegraphies d'apr^s lui relativement a Tassassinat de rinspecteur Grosgurin et au massacre de son escorte. Voiei comment les faits se sont passes :— "En abandonnant son poste de Gammon, le Mandarin Siamois remit a M. Luce une lettre oii il disait en substance : — "'Puisque je suis oblige de quitter ce poste, je vous le remets ainsi que tout son • No. 94. [591] H 50 territoire, et, plus tard, nos deux Gouvernetiients d6cideront, d'apres les cartes, a qui doit appartenir le pays.' " M. Luce fit reunir iui-meme les elephants n^cessaires pour transporter le Mandarin Siamois et ses bagages, et annon^a k ce dernier qu'il lui donnerait une escorte de vingt hommes, commande'e par I'lnspecteur Grosgurin, pour le proteger contre la vengeance des habitants, dont il etait deteste. " Pendant les deux premiers jours de la route, la conduite du Mandarin Siamois fut convenable, mais I'lnspecteur Grosgurin ayant ^t^ oblige de s'arreter et de s'aliter, en proie k un acc^s pernicieux tres grave, le Mandarin commen9a h. raenacer les habitants de repr^sailles, et ecrivit ensuite au Gouverneur Siamois d'Hout^ne, sur la rive droite du Mekong, ]e pressant de venir avec tout son monde a Kenkiec pour le de'livrer. "Quelque temps apres, I'lnspecteur Grosgurin etant toujours nialade dans une paillotte Laotienne, une troupe de 200 Siamois armes arriva d'Hout^ne. Le Mandarin Siamois, suivi de trois officiers de cette troupe, demanda a Grosgurin un entretien. Les miliciens de I'escorte voulurent prendre leurs armes, mais Grosgurin le leur d^fendit, disant que les Siamois venaient non pour se battre, mais pour s'entretenir avec lui. " Cependant, k peine entre, et apres avoir adress^ quelques mots a Grosgurin, le Mandarin, dirigeant son revolver sur ce dernier, le tua d'un coup a la t^te. "En entendant le coup de revolver, ce qui etait sans doute le signal convenu, les Siamois se jetferent sur les armes des miliciens, et en assassinerent dix-sept, les trois autres, ayant pu s'echapper et regagner le poste Frangais, a Gammon, ou ils ont rapporte ces details, qui concordent pleinement d'ailleurs, avec le recit fait par les habitants." (Translation.) M. DELCA.SS15 has received the following telegram from M. de Lanessan, which confirms the treachery at Kenkien, and shows the circumstances under which it took place : — "Haiphong, June 25, 1893. "Eesident Luce has just arrived. He confirmed to me all the information and the views which I had telegraphed to you according to his reports relative to the murder of Inspector Grosgurin and the massacre of his escort. This is what happened : — " When abandoning his post at Cammon the Siamese Mandarin handed a letter to M. Luce, of which the following is the substance : — " ' As I am obliged to leave this post, I hand it over to you, with all its territory, and our Governments will decide, later on, according to the maps, to whom the country should belong.' " M. Luce himself got together the elephants required for conveying the Siamese Mandarin and his baggage, and announced to him that he would give him an escort of twenty men, commanded by Inspector Grosgurin, to protect him from the vengeance of the inhabitants, by whom he was detested. "For the first two days of the journey the Siamese Mandarin behaved well, but Inspector Grosgurin, having been obliged to stop and take to his bed, owing to a very serious and pernicious attack, the Mandarin began to threaten the inhabitants with reprisals, and then wrote to the Siamese Governor of Houtene, on the right bank of the Mekong, pressing him to come to Kenkien with all his people to rescue him. " Some time afterwards. Inspector Grosgurin being still ill in a Laotian hut, a force of 200 armed Siamese arrived from Houtene. The Siamese Mandarin, followed by three officers of this force, asked Grosgurin for an interview. The militiamen in the escort wanted to use their arms, but Grosgurin forbade them, saying that the Siamese were not coming to fight but to converse with him. " ]^evertheless, no sooner had the Mandarin come in and addressed a few words to Grosgurin than he aimed a revolver at the latter, shot him in the head, and killed him, /' Hearing ths report of the revolver, which was no doubt the signal agreed upon, the Sifvmese made a rush for the arms of the militiamen and murdered seventeen of them ; tb'e.'tli.';ee others succeeded in escaping, and reached the French post at Caramon, where they 'Reported these details, which, moreover, fully agree with the account given by the inhabitants." 51 No. 102. The Barl of Rosebery to Mr. Pliipps. Sir; Foreign Office, June 28, 1 893. IN" reply to an inquiry which I addressed to him, the French Charg6 d' Affaires informed me to-day that he had no recent news from Siam, I ohserved that we were naturally interested in the affairs of that country, as being those of a neighbouring kingdom in which we had large interests. The Siamese were unable to tell us what were the demands of the Fjrench Government and what were the wrongs the French Government alleged. Therefore, though I did not wish to mix myself up with the affair at this stage, I was naturally anxious to have some information. M. d'Estournelles said he thought ample assurances had been given by M. Develle to Lord Dufferin, and that it had always been stated that there was no idea of any attack on the neutrality or independence of the Kingdom of Siam. He then dwelt at some length — but speaking, as he said, personally — on the attempts that had been made by the French Government to come to an understanding with Her Majesty's Government for the establishment of the Upper Mekong as the dividing line between British and French interests. On this point our discussion was purely academic ; but I took occasion to repeat that we had not intervened between France and Siam, hoping that matters would not proceed so far as to demand our inter- vention in any shape or form. I have, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERT. Fo. 108. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received June 29.) Sir, Admiralty, June 28, 1893. IF reply to your letter of the 27th instant, suggesting that Her Majesty's ships " Pallas " and " Pigmy " should both be dispatched to Bangkok as soon as possible for protecting British subjects in case of need, I am commanded by my Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty to request that you will state to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that, in view of the fact that if the ships to be sent are named, the Com- mander-in-chief is hampered in relieving them and carrying out the general work of the station, repairs, &c., their Lordships have caused a telegram to be sent directing him to send another ship immediately to Bangkok, and to hold a third in readiness to proceed there, observing that two ships, or perhaps three, may have to be kept there during the troubles. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGEEGOR. No. 104. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 29.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch ''Street, London, June 29, 1893. WE have the honour to hand you the following telegram just received from our Manager in Bangkok, which it is very satisfactory to us to see is of so reassuring a nature : — " Prospects are encouraging. French Government is disposed to come to an amicable arrangement." We have, &c. For Borneo Company (Limited), (Signed) F. EICHAEDSON, Chairman. [591] fl 2 52 T^o, 105. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 29, 1893. I EEFERRED your telegram of the 26th June to the Admiralty. Instructions have been sent to Admiral Fremantle to dispatch another ship to Bangkok, and to be ready to provide a third one if needed. No. 106. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 29.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, June 29, 1893. M. DEVELLE, whilst making casual reference to a report that British sailors were instructing the Siamese in torpedo practice, repeated the assurances which ho had already given, that no active steps will be taken at Bangkok without previous information being given to Her Majesty's Government. He also expressed his satisfaction at the language employed by your Lordship yesterday in the House of Lords. Ko. 107. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 29, 1893. IS there any truth in the report which has reached the French Foreign Office that Siamese are receiving instruction in torpedo practice from British sailors ? 2s^o. 108. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 29, 1893. I WILL make inquiry as to the report mentioned by M. Develle, and referred to in your telegram of to-day, that instruction in torpedo practice is being given to the Siamese by British sailors. No information has reached me that anything of the sort is being done, but it is possible that there may be some British subjects employed in the Siamese navy. No. 109. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 29, 1893. LOKD DUFFERIN'S despatch of 19th instant. It might be well that you should remind the French Foreign Office of M. Develle's promise that \¥e should be informed beforehand of any further movements of the French squadron which has been ordered to Sajgon, According to the newspapers the fleet are advancing in the direction of Bangkok. No. 110. Mr. Clarke to Foreign Office. — [Received June 30.) Sirj 35, Wemyss Road, Blackheath, June 29, 1892. I HAVE the honour to bring to the notice of Her Majesty's Government the serious interference with the trade of Siam which is being caused by the present attitude y H ■ '■ . . ,-*;•* ^il&id'.'ji 53 of France towards that country, and the grave probahility that the course of events is leading up to the annexation of the whole kingdom. According to the latest news from Bangkok the gravest fears are entertained there that active operations against the capital are contemplated. Produce is being held back by the natives in consequence, and vessels chartered to load at the port are being detained for want of cargo, to the great loss of the merchants of the place. The action of France towards Siam is one of pure aggression, in total defiance of all Siamese rights, and the only inference that can be drawn from it is that annexation is intended. Asa resident of many years in Siam, and having considerable property as well as an established business there, I beg that the position of British merchants like myself in Bangkok may receive consideration at the hands of Her Majesty's Government, and that their interests as well as those of British trade generally in Siam, may not be overlooked at the pre en t crisis. I have, &c. (Signed) F. SYDENHAM CLAEKE. No. 111. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received June 30.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, June 30, 1893. M. DEVELLE informs me that no notice should be taken of apparent. " communications " in the press on Siamese matters. None such have been authorized by him. France, his Excellency declares solemnly, has no intention of interfering with Siamese integrity, but release of Captain Thoreux, which was promised five weeks ago, must be obtained, as also redress for two separate acts of abuse. M. Develle fears lest Siamese may be encouraged in their resistance to French claims by the language used by Sir Edward Grey yesterday in the House of Commons . No. 112. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received June 30.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, June 30, 1893. I HAVE the honour to state that there is absolutely no, truth in the report mentioned in your Lordship's telegram of yesterday that British sailors are giving instruction to the Siamese in torpedo practice. No. 113. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 30, 1893. YOUR telegram of yesterday. I have received a telegram from Captain Jones stating that report referred to in your telegram of yesterday as to English sailors instructing Siamese in torpedo practice is wholly without foundation. No. 114. Foreign Office to Borneo Company. Sir, Foreign Office, June 30, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 26th instant respecting the present state of affairs in Siam, and to inform you, iu reply, that Her Majesty's Government are carefully watching the course of events. One of Her Majesty's ships is at present stationed at Bangkok, and instructions 54 have been sent to the Naval Commander-in-chief on the China Station to send a second ship forthwith, and to hold another in readiness in case her 'presence should be required. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 115. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July I.) My Lord, Paris, June 30, 1893. WITH reference to your Lordship's telegram of this day's date, I lost no time in conveying to the French Minister for Foreign Affairs the statement made by Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok that there vpas no foundation for the allegation that any English persons had been employed in teaching torpedo practice to the Siamese. I have, &c. (Signed) E. C. H. PHIPPS. * No. 116. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received July 1.) Sir, Admiralty, July 1, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, paraphrase of a telegram, dated the 30th June, from the Commander-in-chief on the China Station, relative to affairs in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOR. Inclosure in No. 116. Vice-Admiral Sir E. Fremantle to Admiralty. (Telegraphic.) Yokohama. June 30, 1893, 1*8 P.M ORDERS have been given to Her Majesty's ships "Plover" and "Pallas" to proceed to Bangkok. It is reported that a hulk has been sunk at the entrance of the Menam by the Siamese. No. 117. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 1 .) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 1, 1893. IT is rumoured that the Annamite forces are hastily retreating from their position on the east of the Mekong River owing to the great hardships and sickness which they have met with. There are apparently good grounds for this report. The French seem to intend to carry on their operations from Khone only, and to launch armed boats from there to work up and down the Mekong River. The islands which the French have recently occupied on the west coast of Cambodia have a deadly climate, and have in consequence been uninhabited. No. lis. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 1, 1893. WITH reference to your telegram of yesterday, I have to state to you that no encouragement whatever has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the Siamese 55 to offer resistance to the Prenc li troops. For some time past I have had no personal communication with the Siamese Legation in London; but Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok has received strict injunctions to advise the Siamese Government to arrange their differences with the Prench in a friendly manner. Her Majesty's Government would indeed be glad to contribute, as far as lies in their power, to the attainment of such a result. But in view of the possibility that on the approach of the Prench fleet a rising of the native population at Bangkok may occur, causing danger to life and property, it is necessary that some of Her Majesty's ships should be on the spot for the protection of British commercial interests, which are dominant at that place. I have had much pleasure in taking note of the pacific assurances you have received from the Erench Minister for Eoreign Affairs. No. 119. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Heceived July 3.) (Extract.) Paris, June 30, 1893. M. DEVELLE this evening expressed to me his apprehensions lest the language used by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the House of Commons yesterday should encourage the Siamese Government in their attitude of resistance to the legitimate demands of France. His Excellency said he could give me a solemn assurance that thQ French Govern- ment had no idea of interfering with the integrity of the Siamese Empire. But France liad three grievances which must be redressed. About six months ago the property, valued at about 80,000 fr., of a French merchant had been seized and sold. A French factory had also been destroyed, and finally Captain Thoreux had been captured by the Siamese, and had not been given up, in spite of repeated promises made during the last five weeks. There was also the murder of M. Grosgurin, committed by a Siamese Mandarin, for which his Government must be held responsible. Only a few days ago his Excellency had told the Siamese Eepresentative that if the fresh promises were broken and these grievances were not redressed, the French Minister would be withdrawn from Bangkok, when Prince Vadhana would receive his passports. As yet the French Government, animated by feelings of longanimity, had effected but one operation, and that a pacific one. All the Siamese posts on the left bank of the Mekong had been removed without collision, and the removal of the last of these posts had been necessary in order to prevent Tonquin being cut off from Annam. France had also taken possession of Samit, and when an attempt had been made on the part of the Siamese to interfere, they had been driven off. But if Captain Thoreux were not given up, and any further attempts made to temporize, France would have to get redress by arms. His Excellency could not help regretting the announcement made by Sir Edward Grey of the arrival of a second, and perhaps of a third, British ship, as tending possibly to encourage Siam in its recalcitrant attitude. M. Develle finally observed, apparently still referring to Sir E. Grey's speech, that no communications which, had appeared in the press had been authorized by him ; he objected to such a mode of conveying the intentions of the Government, and he hoped that no attention would be paid to them. No. 120. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received July 3.) Sir, Admiralty, July 1, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to. request tha,t you will state to the Earl of Rosebery that a telegram has been received from the Captain of Her Majesty's ship "Pallas," dated at Singapore this day, stating that he was leaving immediately for Bangkok. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGEEGOE. 56 No. 121. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 3.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 3, 1893. FOli information of Board of Trade : — Ships have been sunk across the mouth of the River Menam abreast the light-ship, leaving a channel clear from the light-ship to a breadth of about 250 yards to the east- ward. No. 122. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. Sir, Foreign Office, July 3, 1893. I KECEIVED a visit to-day from the French Charge d' Affaires, who called to furnish me with a spontaneous explanation from M. Develle respecting the course of affairs in Siam. He said, with some strength of language, that for the last ten years France had been suffering a series of paltry wrongs and encroachments on the part of Siam, which she had hitherto been too much occupied by the difficulty of organizing her administration in Tonkin to resent. Of late, however, she had thought it necessary to do so, as well as to assert her right to the left bank of the Mekong. The Siamese had resisted these pcoceedings, had fired on the French troops, and had also captured a French officer, whom they had promised to deliver up, though they had not done so. I asked if it were not the fact that Captain Thoreux was coming from the Mekong by land, and whether it did not take a long time to make the journey. M. d'Estournelles said that was the fact, and that this prolonged journey was a further aggravation. In any case, the Siamese had shown backwardness and tardiness in offering satisfaction for this outrage, and the French Government could wait no longer. He then went on to complain of the language of Sir E. Grey in the House of C/ommons, as tending to give an impression in Siam and in France that Great Britain was giving her support to the Siamese. This view I at once contested, slating that I did not think Sir E. Grey's words could be so interpreted. The dispatch of British ships to Siam was rendered necessary by the fact that our merchants loudly demanded protection,' not against France, but against a native rising which they feared was imminent. Complaints had been already made that I was too supine in the matter, but if a rising were to take place, and British life and property were to be injured, I should be very seriously and justifiably attacked. I reminded M. d'Estournelles that the official map published in France showed that the places recently invaded by the French were in Siamese territory. But I had always sedulously kept aloof, and I authorized him to tell M. Develle that from the very inception of this business I had never seen the Siamese Minister or any one connected with him. On the other hand, through Sir T. Sanderson, and through tier Majesty's Minister at Bangkok, I had inculcated the desirability of coming to a prompt under- standing and peaceful settlement with France, which should include all pending difficulties, and settle the frontier question on a permanent basis. Further, with regard to the ships sent to Bangkok, I gave him full authority to assure M. Develle that they were dispatched with the single object of protecting British life and property. M. d'Estournelles, who had made some observations in reply to my first remarks, thanked me for the latter part of this communication, I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERY. No. 123. Scottish Oriental Steam-ship Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 4.) Tour Lordship, 4 a, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, July 8, 1893. WHILE we do not doubt that Her Majesty's Government are taking all necessary steps to protect the interests of British traders in the East, we would, nevertheless, venture to bring to the notice of the Foreign Office, through your Lordship, the very serious menace to British interests involved in the present situation in Siam. ij< ' The Scdttish Oriental Steam-ship Company (Limited) was formed ten jears ago for the purpose of trading in the Jiast,, mainly between Ennukok and Hong Kong. Tlie shares of the Company are all held by British capitalists, and the Company is at present running a fleet of eleven steamers. These steamers are chiefly employed in carrying large quantities of rice from Bangkok to Hong Kong. I It is certain that any blockade, bombardment, or hostile occupation of Bangkok must result in very serious losses, not to this Company alone, but to all British traders in Bangkok, and theii* correspondents in Hong Kong and other British posf-essions in the East. Among the largest shippers by this Company's steamers are Chinese merchants Your Lordship is doubtless aware that a large number of Chinamen in Siam have become British subjects, trusting to the Government of Great Britain to protect them and their trade. Capitalists engaged in the affairs of this Company are also concerned in other large mercantile enterprises in Siam> and we can say with confidence that those whom we represent have been largely instrumental in developing the resources of this friendly Power, and in establishing the confidence felt by Siamese in deaHng with British subjects, and that they may therefore fairly claim to receive all possible protection. In case it should be of interest to your Lordship to have an unoflBcial opinion on the present position, we may mention that three days ago we received a private telegram from our a.gents, who are the leading European firm in Bangkok, informing us that, while the situation is considered critical, hopes are locally entertained of an amicable settlement of the present difhculty, and that up to the time of dispatch of their telegram trade in Bangkok was still very brisk. We are, &c. Scottish Oriental Steam-ship Company (Limited), (Signed) FERGUSON", DAYIDSO^^, and Co., Managers. No. 124. Foreign Office to Scottish Oriental Steam-ship Company. Sir, _ Foreign Office, July 4,, 1893 I AIM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, calling attention to the importance of British commercial interests at Bangkok, and to the dangers to which they may be exposed. His Lordship desires me to inform you that one of Her Majesty's ships has already been stationed at Bangkok, and that t\\o more have been ordered to proceed to Siamese waters to protect the lives and property of British subjects in case of emergency. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 125. Foreign Office to Mr. Clarke. Sir, Foreign Office, July 5, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, respecting affairs in Siam and the interests of British trade at Bangkok ; and I am to inform you, in reply, that these matters are receiving the serious attention of Her Majesty's Government. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 126. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Bosebery.-^{Received July 6.) ify Lord, Paris, July 5, 1893, I HAVE the hoiiour to inclose copy of a note which I addressed to the Erench Minister for Foreign AfPairs, conveying the substance of your Lordship's telegram [591] I 58 of the 1st instant, relative to the attitude of Her Majesty's Gorernment in the Siamese question. I thought it useful at the same time, in accordance with the suggestion previously- made by your Lordship, to place officially on record M. Develle's assurances in regard to any movements of the fleet towards Bangkok. I take this opportunity of pointing out that M. Develle, in his conversation with me on the 30th. ultimo, made a declaration that the French Government had no intention of interfering with the integrity of the Siamese Empire. I have, &c. (Signed) E. 0. H. PHIPPS. Inclosure in No. 126, Mr. Phipps to M, Develle. M. le Ministre, Paris, July 1, 1893. I DID not fail to communicate to Lord Eosebery the observations which your Excellency made to me during the course of our interview yesterday relative to the questions at issue between the Erench Government and that of Siam. His Lordship, whilst taking note with pleasure of the pacific assurances thus conveyed by your Excellency, states to me that the Siamese Government are undoubtedly not encouraged by that of Her Majesty in the attitude of resistance to which your Excellency made reference. Whilst Lord Rosebery has not been for some time past in personal communication with the Siamese Legation in London, Her Majesty's Minister in Bangkok has received strict orders to recommend there the conclusion of a friendly arrangement with the French Government, and Her Majesty's Government would gladly take any steps in their power to contribute to such a result. But in view of the possibility, to which your Excellency also was fully alive, of a native rising at Bangkok, caused by the rumoured approach of the French fleet, and to the dangers which might result therefrom to life and property, it appears to Her Majesty's Government necessary to have ships to protect the British commer- cial interests which there are dominant. I may add that I have not omitted also to convey to Her Majesty's Government the various assurances given by your Excellency that any further movements of the French fleet will be intimated to them. I have, &c. (Signed) E. C. H. FHIPPS. No. 127. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery, — (Received July 10.) t.) Bangkok) June 6, 18^S. i iNCiiOSE herewith a copy of the note verbale tendered to the French Minister here on the 2nd instant by the Siamese Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the matter of the rendition of the Frencli prisoner, Captain Thoreux. It has been decided to surrender this oflScer to the French Minister at Bangkok, and he will be brought here as soon as possible from Bassac, on the Mekong, where he is now detained. Inclosure in No. 127. Note Verhale. M.'PAVtE asks from the Government of His Majesty the King the release of Captain thoreux. His demand is based on the fact that, as it was telegraphed to him by his Government, the Siamese Government had expressed regret for the capture of Captain 'Thoreux. Prince Devawongse answers that the fact of the regrets expressed in the before- mentioned sense of an apology must rest on a misunderstanding on which he had already the opportunity to give explanations in a preceding interview. As for the rielease of Captain Thoreux, His Ma'esty's Government would be quite prepared to 59 give k favourable answer if it k asked as an act of courtesy and of good-will towards a Power with which they desire to remain on peaceful terms, but they cannot admit, even indirectly, that, in capturing Captain Thoreux when in command of an aggressive and hostile expedition they acted wrongly, or would act wrongly, in doing the same in similar circumstances. In compliance with a demand of M. Lanessan, M. Pavie remarks that the Frencli did not capture any Siamese. Prince Deyawongse replies that he is not yet sure if this is the case or not, but that the main question is, if the capture of Captain Thoreux is, or is not, legitimized by an act of war, which, in any case, he hopes may not be followed by others. Foreign Office, Bangkok, June 2, 1893. No. 128. Consul Tremlett to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 10.) My Lord, Saigon, June 9, 1893. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship further extracts from Sai^ou newspapers relating to the action of the Prench in the Mekong Valley. I have, &c. (Signed) 0. P. TREMLETT. Inclosure in No. 128. Extract from " L'lndependant de Cochinchine" of June 6, 1893. (T^l^graphique .) M, Dufre'nil, Vice-Resident en Mission, a Gouverneur-Ge'ne'ral. Muong-Phong, le 22 Mai. PAE,TI hier matin de Ban- Phong. Ai ete pr^venu par habitants de Muong-Phong, venus a notre rencontre, que Siamois ou Laotiens en grand nombre s'6taient concentres prfes de I'arroyo de Tou-Phang a deux heures de Muong-Phong ; des agents Siamois a cheval ^piaient nos mouvements ; a 3 heures, nous trouvions la route barree. Inspecteur Garnier a fait aussit6t tourner I'obstacle consistant en une simple ligne de gros piquets. Ayant annonce ma venue Mandarin, je p^netrai dans son camp ou attendaient, I'arme au pied, 300 hommes environ. Agent Siamois a d^clar^ qu'il etait envoy(5 pour nous prior d'attendre les instructions de son ohef de Muong- Phong ; je I'ai mis en demeure de nous suivre ; nous avons pu compter 286 mauvais fusils a pierre, tous charges. L'effectif compose de 100 hommes d'Oubane et de Saravane et 200 habitants environ leves au Chau de Song Kh6ne; j'ai re^u a 4 heures tram a cheval exp^di^ par Chef Militaire de Muong-Phong," porteur de trois lettres dont une a mon adresse et les deux autres envoy ^es a I'agent que nous ramenons avec nous. Ces lettres, lues en ma presence, annoncaient une lev^e d'hommes dans toute la region et I'intention formelle du chef de poste de ne me recevoir que sous condition, Sa lettre me faisait en effet connaitre qu'il ne pourrait me recevoir dans son poste que si j'etais accompagne des Mandarins Siamois actuellement avec nous et quelques hommes non arm^s, et que dans le cas oii je me pr^senterais avec un d^tachement, il me donnerait rendez-vous sur un point du village qui serait fix6 ult^rieurement. N'ayant pas a accepter de conditions, je continuais ma route me r^servant d'envoyer un ultimatum a ce Chef. Nous sommes arrives a la nuit en face du village de Ban-La-Ho, tout pr6s de Muong-Phong et d'ou nous entendions sonner les clairons des Siamois. Dfes le matin les principaux notables de Muong Phong sont venus annoncer le depart du detache- ment Siamois qui s'est dirige sur Song-Kh6ne et Kemmaran ; les habitants de Muong- Phong nous ont fait un chaleureux accueil et nous ont facility en quelques heures notie ravitaillement ; la nouveUe de la fuite du d^tachement Siamois 6tait repandue rapide- ment et nous recevions le soir nieme la visite des Chefs des villages situ^s a une certaine distance ; les habitants du Chau de Nam-Nan, tout recemment menac6 de voir leur territoire occup6 par les Siamois, sont ^galement venus nous demander avec instance de les prot^ger ; le Chef du Chau de Muong-Phong, vieillard des plus respect^s [591J I 2 60 et trfes aime de la population, s'est pr^sent^ a moi avec son fils qui occupe^apr^s iui la premifere fonction dans Ohau. Ce Chef declare qu'il depend de Sa Majesty le Eoi d'Annam ; il nous t^moignait comme tous ioi Joie vive de n'^tre plus sous domination des Siamois et nous exprimait en termes touchants sa reconnaissance qu'il me prie de vous transmettre. Si d'une fa9on generale la population a laiss6 entrevoir quelque hesitation inspir^e par la crainte, elle ne cache plus aujourd'hui son antipathic pour les Siamois. Les gens de Muong-Phong qui venaient d'etre I'objet de vexation; etde rapines nous manifestaient plus spontan^ment la satisfaction que notre intervention leur fait j^prouver. Irons demain. soir a Song-Khbiie. M. Luce, Resident en Mission dans la Region de Cammon, a Gouverneur- General. Le 22 Mai. Le Oommissaire Siamois ayant refuse pendant plusieurs jours de quitter volontairer ment le postc de Cammon et s^obstinant a maintenir son pavilion hiss^ en face du drapeaij rran9ais, j'ai da le d^sarmer et Iui faire ^vacuer son poste. Le Mandarin S.amois n'a fait aucune resistance. 11 partira le 25 au matin pour Kenkiec. M. rinspecteur Grosgurin charg6 de I'etude des routes de la region. L'armement des Siamois consiste en quatre-vingt fusils de diff^ents modules Europ^ens et armeS blanches que j'ai confisques. Sit6t aprfes le depart des Siamois, .ie visiterai le Camcot et -les- principaux villages de^ deux buy ens. La population toute enti^re attend ce moment pour se livrer a des r^Jouissances publiques. Le Vice-Re'sident Dufre'nil au Gouverneur-Ge'ne'ral, a Hanoi. Song-Khone, le 23 Mai. Nous somines arrives a Song-Kh6ne ovi nous avons trouv6 peu d'habitants.^ La plupart entre eux se sont refugi^s aux environs f uyant les Siamois depuis leur recent passage, mais la nouvelle de notre arrivee a ete rapidement connue et d^ja les femmes et les enf ants, reviennent au village. En apprenant notre arrivfe . prochaine, les Siamois ont traverse precipitamment Song-Kh6ne la nuit dans une veritable d^bandade. Nous avons pu voir semes sur la route des voitures a boeufs et divers objets qu'ils ont abandonn^s. lis ont fait le trajet de Muong-Phong ici en cinq heures et ils ont aussit6t traverse le S6banghieng en coulant les pirogues derri^re eux et en laissant leurs bagages, faute de porteurs, ces derniers ayant prOflte pour s'enfuir de la nuit et de la panique des Siamois. Nous comptons arriver au Mekong apr^s-demain. M. Dufrenil telegraphic a nouveau, le 26, a midi, de la rive gauche du.M6kong en face Kemmarat: '"Nous sommes arrives bier soir en face Kemmarat. Le village de Naprasun, situ^ sur les bords du fleuve, et dans lequel nous avons camp^, a ^t^ enti^re- ment brMe par les Siamois. Ce matin d^s 8 heures, le drapeau Erangais a et6 arbor6 sur la rive m^me du fleuve bien en vue de Kemmarat ; les Siamois et les Laotiens rassembles sur differents points de la rive oppos^e, ^piaient nos moindres mouvemsnts. " Les Mandarins de Hosang et de Xuon-Thang ont fait connaltre au Chef Siamois: que ma mission se terminerait ici et je leur ai signifi6 devant la garde civile assenibMe," qu'au nom du Gouvernement EranQais j'aflBrmais notre droit d' occupations dans tous les Chans compris entre Cam-lo et le Mekong. " Le Mandarin de Hosang m'a pri^, pour ^viter tout malentendu, de faire une declaration ecrite qui serait affichee. J'ai aussit6t accede a son desir et la traduction en a ete faite par mon interpr^te; les Siamois m'ayant demande si la liberte du: commerce devait toujours subsister, je leur ai repondu affi.rmativement; Ma reponse leur a cause une vive satisfaction." En terminant son teiegramme, M. Dufrenil rend hommage k I'activite et au! devouement de la garde civile, a I'lnspecteur Garnier qui connalt trfes bien cette region^ et dont le concours Iui a ete precieux et aux gardes principaux qui ont rendu d' excel- '. lents services, Ces militaires, bien que tr^s eprouves par la maladie et des fatigues excessives, ont toujours marohe avec le plus grand entrain. 61 No. 129. Captain Janes to the Earl of Rosebery, — {Received July 11.) (Tdegiaphic.) Bangkok, July 11, 1893. A COMMUNICATIOlJf has been addressed to the Siamese Government by M. Pavie on behalf of the French Government, in which he states that it has been decided to send two more French gun-boats to Siamese waters for the protection of French subjects during the present state of uncertainty. The reason given is that Her Majesty's Government have ordered several ships to proceed for this object, and that the French Government are only following the example initiated by other Powers. M. Pavie states that these vessels can arrive off the bar at the mouth of the river on the 13th instant, and the French Admiral asks that arrangements maybe made for supplying them with pilots, and that they may be permitted to proceed to Bangkok according to what he considers to be a right under the Treaties. The answer of the Siamese Government is to the effect that they have received no notice that Her Majesty's Government intend to send ships to Bangkok or to any other point on the Menam besides Her Majesty's ship " Swift," which now lies off the British Legation, just as the French gun-boat " Lutin " is anchored near the French Legation. They suppose that as the French Government wish to act similarly with Great Britain and the otlier Powers, they will not send any more ships up the river. They observe that the initiative was certainly taken by the French Government, and that this was done on the 14th March in the most menacing manner. If the French gun-boat were to be withdrawn even now, tranquillity and confidence would be restored. They protest against the claim that any foreign Power can, as a matter of absolute right, send as many ships as it thinks fit to Bangkok. Siam would thereby be deprived of her natural right to protect herself, and if she were to accept such an interpretation of the Treaties she would thereby abdicate her right to maintain her own independence. 'Ro. 130. Captain Jones to the Earl of Roseberyt — {Received July 12.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 12, 1898. 'THE Siamese Government have been informed by M. Pavie that the French gun- boat " Inconstant " will come up the river in spite of opposition. m. 131. The Uarl of Bxiseiery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 12, 1893. HER Majesty's Government have been informed from Bangkok of a rumour that the French Admiral threatens to enter the river by force. We place no belief in this report, as we have absolute confidence in the assurances which have been given to us by M. Develle. It is said, however, that the Admiral's action is based upon the fact that three of Her Majesty's ships are to remain in the Menam. It may be well, therefore, that when you communicate to the French Government the statements above referred to, you should mention that the two additional ships, which have recently been ordered to proceed to Siamese waters for the protection of British subjects, will not cross the bar of the river, and that Her Majesty's ship "Swift" will alone remain off Bangkok, where she, has been lying for some weeks. Such rumours as I have above referred to must necessarily tend to produce the very agitation which it is desired to guard against, and we cannot but regret that they should arise. 62 No. 132. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) ' Foreign Office, July 12, 1893. i HAVE received your telegrams of yesterday and to-day. Her Majesty's ship " Pallas " cannot cross the bar at the mouth of the river. You should arrange that both "Pallas" and "Plover" may remain at the entrance of the river outside of the bar, and it will be open to the Siamese Government to inform the French Minister of this fact. No. 133. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 12.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London, July 12, 1893. I HAVE the honour to hand your Lordship copy of an alarming message just received from our Manager in Bangkok : — " French Government steamer or steamers may be expected at any moment. French Consul insists upon right of entering port. Siamese Government will not agree. They are closing river mouth at once." It is unnecessary for me to point out what a very serious matter this is for British trade, and I can only hope your Lordship may be able to take measures to avert such a great calamity. I have, &c. (Signed) F. llICHAEDSON, Chairman of the Borneo Company (Limited). No. 134. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 12, 1893. THE complete closing of the entrance to the Menam would be a serious blow to trade. We hope that the Siamese Government will not resort to such a measure unless they are driven to extremities. No. 135. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 13.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London, July 13, 1893. I HAVE the honour to hand your Lordship copy of a telegram just received from our Manager in Bangkok : — "French Consul agrees to French Government steamers waiting a few days at Koh- si-Chang. It is arranged river mouth shall not at present be closed." I have, &c. (Signed) F. EIOHAEDSON, Chairman of the Borneo Company (Limited). No. 136. Foreign Office to Borneo Company. Sir, Foreign Office, July 13, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letters of yesterday and to-day, relative to a supposed intention of the Siamese Government to block the entrance of the Menam Eiver, which is now reported to have been abandoned. I am to state that the course of events at Bangkok 63 is engaging the constant attention of Her Majesty's Government, who will do what is in their power to avert any measures which would be detrimental to British commerce. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDEBSON. No. 137. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 13.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July IS, 1893. BY the 15th Article of the Treaty.of 1856, French ships are allowed to advance as far as Paknam, and from thence, the Siamese Government having been previously warned, they may proceed to Bangkok ; but I am informed by M, Develle that the ships already sent will remain outside the bar, and that the intention of sending others to Bangkok has been abandoned in consequence of my last night's communication. Moderation is thus shown. I am reporting fully by bag to-night ; bat I am sure, from the language used by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the principal grievance is the retention of Captain Thoreux. French may be obliged to proceed to extreme measures unless this oflS.cer is at once handed over. Such action on the part of the Siamese would have a calming effect here. No. 138. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 13.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 13, 1893. THE defences at the bar of the river have been successfully passed by two French gun-boats, which have cast anchor opposite the French Legation at Bangkok. No. 139. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 14.) My Lord, Paris, July 13, 1893. ON receipt of your Lordship's telegram of yesterday I at once addressed a private communication to M. Develle on the subject of the proposed action attributed to the French Admiral in Siamese waters, and T called upon his Excellency by appointment this afternoon, in accordance with a desire which I had expressed. M. Develle stated that, under the circumstances explained by me, it had been decided that such French ships as would be sent would remain outside the bar, leaving only the " Lutin," as at present, off Bangkok ; but in doing this he added that the French Government were exhibiting a continuance of the moderation which they had already evidenced. The XVth Article of the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1856 was explicit, and allowed French ships to penetrate into the river as far as Paknam, and, after previous warning to the Siamese Government, to proceed to Bangkok. The intentions of the French Government had been founded on rumours, similarly current at Bangkok, as to the immediate arrival of British ships, rumours which were corroborated by Sir E. Grey's language. I said that the intentions of Her Majesty's Government had been based upon the necessity of protecting our commercial interests in Bangkok, where, as his Excellency Avas aware, we absorbed three-quarters of the trade. As I understood, we did not enter into the merits of such grievances as France might have against Siam, but it was obvious that, if a powerful nation which had litigious international questions with a weak Power were to make an imposing naval demonstration within its territory, the latter would be deprived of all power of defending itself. M. Develle replied that the patience and moderation of the French Government proved that this consideration was not lost sight of, but Captain Thoreux was not yet given up, and if in a few days that were not achieved, France would have to take further measures. I reminded his Excellency that your Lordship had expressed a desire to B4 smooth down, in any manner possible, pending differences, and asked whether that was the prineipal point to which he attached importance. M. Develle said that it was now admitted bj the Siamese that M. Grosgurin was murdered in cold blood, and in his bed, and the onlj point was how far such act had been the result of any attack by Annamite soldiers. As to Captain Thoreux' being given up, French dignity did not permit of asking for the intervention of any foreign Power in order to secure this legitimate demand, which, if not acceded to, would have to be enforced. I have, &c. (Signed) E.. ;C. H. PHTPPS. ; No. 140. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. —{Received July 14.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London, July 14, 1893. . I HAVE the honour to acknowledge with thanks your Lordship's letter, of the iSth instant. ,1 now beg to hand you copy of our message received this morning, dated Bangkok, 9 a.m. : — " Two French steamers forced an entrance to Bangkok yesterday evening. Sharp engagement at Paknam." This confirms the news appearing in to-day's " Times." Your Lordship can understand the grave anxiety felt by every one interested in Bangkok, and if British interests are to be protected, very prompt measures seem necessary. I JlRVG Sec (Signed) ' F. EICHARDSON, ' Chairman of the Borneo Company {Limited).. Ko. 141. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. / (Telegraphic.) Foreign^ Office, July 14, 1893. I HAVE received your telegram of last evening, reporting that M. Develle had abandoned the intention of sending additional ships of war to Bangkok. But at the same time that your telegram arrived, conveying his assurances I received one from Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok stating that the French ships had passed the bar and ascended the Menam. I do not doubt the good faith of M. Develle himself, but I also believe that> the French Government are drifting into a position of extreme gravity owing to the action of their ofl&cers, which appears to be uncontrolled and irresponsible. Already material injury has been done to British trade, and this last movement on the part of the French ships has seriously increased the probability of a rising, which would imperil the lives and property of all foreign residents. You should impress on M. Develle the difficult position in which Her Majesty's Government are placed as to giving such an explanation of the facts as may neither arouse indignation in this country nor cause offence in France, either of which contin- gencies might imperil the maintenance of our friendly relations. .< ; , , Questions will certainly be asked in one or both Houses of Parliament this, after- noon, and I trust that M.- Develle will supply me with the means of replying to them. K"o. 142. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 14.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 14, 1893. I TELEGRAPHED yesterday that two French gun-boatfe : had passed up the Menam. Early in the day M. Pavie had agreed that they shodd not come up, but remain at anchor some distance from the mouth of the river. ' He dispatched a naval 66 officer to the "Inconstant" with these instructions. M, Develle had also assured the Siamese Minister in Paris that the ships had been recalled, and that the French Govern- ment had absolutely no designs on the independence of Siara. He expressed a hope that all questions in dispute between France and Siam would soon be settled in a conciliatory manner. Tranquillity prevails up to the present. Her Majesty's ship " Linnet " has arrived, arid is anchored off Bangkok. m. 143. Senior Officer, Bangkok, to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, July 14.) (Telegraphic.) " Swift," at Bangkok, July 14, 1893. IlSr face of the desire of the French Minister to restrain them, " Inconstant " and "Comete" forced river at 7 yesterday evening. Her Majesty's ship "Linnet " arrived last night ; will join the " Swift " off Bangkok. The " Pallas " sent up small-arm men. Ships arrived uninjured. One man was killed on board the "Incotistant," and twenty killed and wounded at Fort Paknam. A conference will take place here to-day at noon. No. U4. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosehery, — {Received July 14.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 14, 1893. WITH reference to your Lordship's telegram of to-day, M. Develle, at the review this afternoon, explained recent events as follows : — Three days ago orders were dispatched to Admiral Humann, under the circum- stances then existing, to send additional ships to Bangkok, not to attempt to force the passage of the river, but to enter a protest should admission be refused. On the 12th the orders given vpere to remain outside the bar. Apparently the modified orders had not been received, but the Siamese, instead of protesting, opened fire on the ships, in violation of the Treaty of 1856. Upon his Excellency expressing his annoyance at this misunderstanding, I there- fore inquired whether the additional ships would be withdrawn. His Excellency replied that he was too incompletely informed as to circurrif stances to be able to reply, but that he would see me the following morning ; that the whole affair must, however, now be brought to a conclusion. His Excellency will see me to-morroW. No. 145. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. Sir, Foreign Office, July 14, 1893. I HAVE to express the approval by Her Majesty's Government of the note you ^.ddressed to M. Develle on the 1st instant, a copy of which accompanied your despatch of the 5th, in regard to the attitude maintained by them on the questions at issue between France and Siam, and to the assurances given by his Excellency that any further movements of French ships towards Bangkok would be duly notified. [ am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. 146. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 15.) My Lord, Paris, July 14, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship copy of a note which I addressed to M. Develle this morning, confirming in an official form the communication which I had addressed to his Excellency on the evening of the 12th instant on receipt of your Lordship's telegram of the 12th instant on the subject of the proposed action of the French Admiral in Siamese waters, 1 have, &c. (Signed) E. 0. H, PHIPPS. [591] K 6g Inclosure in No. 146. Mr. Phipps to M. Develle. M. le Ministre, Paris, July 14, 1893. IN confirmation of the private communication which I addressed to your Excellency on the evening of the 12tli instant, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that, according to advices received by Her Majesty's Grovernment from the British Minister at Bangkok, a rumour was current there that the French Admiral threatened to force an entrance into the Menam Eiver. iter Majesty's Government feeling absolute confidence in the assurances conveyed by your Excellency, did not place credence in that report. Nevertheless, as the proposed ^ction attributed, to the French Admiral was stated to be based on the fact tliat three of Her Majesty's ships were remaining in the Eiver Menam, Her Majesty's Government had instructed me to state that the additional ships intended for the protection of British subjects had been intended to remain outside the bar, whilst the " Swift" woiild remain in the riverj whpre it had been for some weeks past. _ ^ . I added that Her Majesty's Government regretted the rumour to which I have referred as teiidiiig to produce that agitation against which Her Majesty's Government was desirous to guard. I have, &c. (Signed) E. 0. H. PHIPPS. No. 147. Mr. Campbell to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 15.) My Lord, Billiter Square Buildings, London, July 14, 1893. I HAVE the honour to address your Lordship in reference to the present state of political affairs in the Kingdom of Siam. 1 am the contractor for the construction and equipment of the Nagara Rajasema State Eailway from Bangkok to Korat, a distance of 156 miles. The Contract is between the Government of Siam and myself. A large amount of capital has been invested in plant, material, and houses, and permanent-way material of the value of lOOjOOOZ. has been imported into Siam. I am under heavy guarantee, and am responsible for the maintenance of the works constructed and the care of materials imported, and for the completion of the line within a stipulated period. When I left Bangkok last May the mere presence of the French gun-boat " Lutin " in the river, though no act of hostility had taken place, was sufficient to render the situation very acute ; and now that the passage of the river has been actually forced under fire, turbulence of the most serious character may at any moment break out in Bangkok, where there are at least 50,000 Chinese coolies over whom the Siamese Government have practically no control. Before I left in May, almost the entire available troops had been sent to the Mekong Valley, and the local police were scarcely able to subdue a riot in the gaol in Bangkok. I would respectfully urge the need for prompt and urgent action on the part of Her Majesty's Government to protect British interests in Siam generally, as well as life and property in Bangkok. I may mention as a proof that much of what takes place in Siam is not within the knowledge of the Foreign Office in Paris, that I have it on the best authority that ten days after the " Lutin " had anchored in the river abreast of Bangkok the French Foreign Office was unaware of its presence there. I I13(VG &C (Signed) ' G. MUEEAT CAMPBELL. No. 148. M. de Bille to the Earl of Mosebery. — {Received July 15.) M. le Comte, Legation de Danemark, Londres, le 14 Juillet, 1893. D'ORDEE de mon Gouvernement j'ai I'honneur de m'adresser h votre Excellence afin de la demander si le Gouyernement de Sa Majesty Britannique*veuille bien permettre que les sujets Danois a Siam soient mis sous la protection de la Grande- Breta^e en cas de guerre. 6? En vous priant, M. le Comte, de vouloir bien me fajre sjivoir dans le plus bref d^lai possible la decision du Gouvernement de Sa Majesty Britannique pour que je puisse la communiquer imni6diatement a Copenhague, le saisis, &c. (Sign6) F. BILLE. (Translation.) My Lord, Danish Legation, July 14, 1893*- I HAVE the honour to address your Excellency by order of my Government w *h the object of asking you if Her Britannic Majesty's Government would be good enough to permit Danish subjects in Siam to be placed under the protection of Great Britain in case of war. Begging ydur Lordship to be good enough to inform me of the decision of Her Britannic Majesty's Government within as short a time as possible, in order that I may communicate it at once to Copenhagen, I have, &c. (Signed) F. BILLE. No. 149. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received July 15.) Sir, Admiralty, July 15, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the paraphrase of a telegram, dated this day, from the Senior Naval Officer at Bangkok. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGEEGOB. Inclosure in No. 149. Senior Naval Officer, Bangkok, to Admiralty, (Telegraphic.) " Pallas," at Bangkok, July 15, 1893. IT has been agreed on both sides that action shall be suspended during attempt to settle matters satisfactorily. " Mistic " arrived and sailed the 14th July. I have had a long interview with the Senior Officer of the French ships of war, and detailed my persouaj. knowledge of the antecedent circumstances and observation of the disregard of French Minister's request that their ships should wait. I hope that the protection of British interests is secured. We have quite sufficient ships for the purpose. No. 150. The Earl of Uosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 15, 1893. 1 HAVE received a request from the Danish Government that Her Majesty's ships may extend their protection to Danish subjects at Bangkok in case of necessity. I have agreed that this should be done, and the Admiralty will be asked to instruct the naval officers accordingly. No. 151. Foreign Office to Admiralty, Sir, Foreign Office, July 15, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Danish Minister has asked, in the name ot nis Government, that British protection may be afforded to Danish subjects in Siam if the necessity should arise during the present critical state of affairs. Lord Eosebery has stated, in reply, that Her Majesty's Government will be pleased [591] K 2 68 to meet the wishes of the Danish Government in this respect, and t am to request that you will move the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to give the necessary instruc- tions by telegraph to the Commander of Her Majesty's naval forces in Siamese waters. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 152. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 15.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 15, 1893. M. DEVELLE, whom I have just left, is afraid that telegrams have been intercepted, as since he received the actual report of what occurred on the 13th, his Excellency has had no information telegraphed to him. Admiral Humann, in a telegram from Saigon, talks of an ambuscade, and the Commander of French ships reports that fire vras immediately opened upon them, whereas on the other hand the Siamese Minister asserts that a warning was given by the firing, first of blank cartridges and then of shots intentionally aimed wide. An entry was to be attempted on the 8th, under the circumstances which then existed, and if refused permission to do so, they were to retire after protesting. Hostilities were under no circumstances to be provoked until matter had been referred home. On the receipt of British assurances orders were issued on the evening of the 12th July that they were not to cross the bar. No. 153. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 15.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 15, 1893. WITH reference to telegram from Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok of yesterday, M. Develle informs me that he has no report from M. Pavie as to his action referred to. No. 154. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 1 6.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 16, 1893. YOUR Lordship's telegram of yesterday. ' The French loss in the recent engagement was three killed and two wounded, and the Siamese had about twenty killed and some wounded. Since the French gun-boat arrived here, nothing of any interest has occurred. AH is quiet tip to the present, although there are many wild rumours and panics amongst the merchants. It seems likely that tranquillity will be maintained. No. 155. /Sir H. Rumbold to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 17.) My Lord, The Hague, July U, 1893. I ASKED M. van Tienhoven, when I saw him yesterday, whether, as reported, a Dutch man-of-war had been sent to Bangkok. His Excellency said that the Netherlands Consul in that capital had applied to the Governor-General at Batavia for some protection to Dutch subjects and interests, and that the latter had referred the matter home. ' Under the circumstances it had been thought best to leave the point to the decision of the Governor-General, who had given Orders for the dispatch of a ship to the Siamese capital. The vessel had probably by this time reached its destinationi ' 69 The Dutch subjects in Siam, according to M. van Tienhoven, are some Javanese, mostly fishermen, and Chinese born in Java, of parents settled there, and therefore under Dutch protection. I have, &c. (Signed) HORACE RUMBOLD. No. 156. Borneo Company to the Earl of Mosebery. — {Received July 17.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London^ July 17, 1893. I HAVE the honour to hand you copy of telegram from our Manager in Bangkok, dated to-day, 5-35 p.m. : — " Eour Erenoh Government steamers are here ; three more are expected in a few days. Position very grave. Expect heavy fighting shortly." The gravity of the position of affairs is apparent, and we trust your Government will be able to do something to avert the threatened danger. I have, &c. (Signed) AND. CURRIE, Secretary. No. 157. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Phipps. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 17, 1893. EOLLOWING statement was made in both Houses of Parliament this after- noon : — "In order to consider justly and dispassionately the present position of affairs betvreen Erance and Siam, it is necessary to keep distinct several questions which, from the course of events, have become intermingled. But it is right to premise that per- haps the main difficulty in forming any conclusion on those questions lies in obtaining clear and definite information ; and in the absence of such information Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to offer any decided opinion as to the merits of the various points at issue. " There are, first of all, certain claims by the Erench Government for compensation for losses suffered by some Erench merchants and travellers in consequence of the action of Siamese officials. These are not of large amount, but the Erench Govern- ment appear to have laid stress on these being satisfied as a preliminary to negotia- tions on more important matters ; while the Siamese Government have made difficulties and objections which have not yet been withdrawn. " There is, secondly, the question of the frontier between Erance and Siam in br adjacent to the Mekong Valley. This is a question of a complicated character on wbich. Her Majesty's Government have not sufficient information to pronounce a definite opinion, and in which — provided it be kept within certain limits and does not assume such proportions as to affect the independence and integrity of the Siamese Kingdom — Great Britain is not directly interested. " There is, thirdly, the question of the capture of a Erench officer. Captain Thoreux, and the alleged murder of another, with some Annamite soldiers. It is reported in the papers this morning that Captain Thoreux, whose liberation was promised by the Siamese Government some time ago, has now been actually conveyed into Erench territory and surrendered. In regard to the other incident, the facts are contested, and it is not known what the demands of the Erench Government may be. " Fourthly, there is the forcible ascent of the Menam by two Erench gun- vessels against the opposition of the Siamese authorities. In regard to this act, we are not at present in possession of all the facts, the information received by Her Majesty's Govern- ment being little, if at all, more than that which has appeared in the public press. But there is reason to believe that it was contrary to the directions of the Erench Government, and to the expressed wish of the Erench Representative at Bangkok. It is absolutely necessary to await more detailed information before an opinion can be pronounced on the merits of the question. Our last advices from Paris, however, state that the Erench Commanders positively assert that they were subjected to an unprovoked fire in the exercise of their undoubted right to ascend as far as Paknam. 70 " ^B'ifthly, there is a question of the protection of British subjects and property and those of other European Powers at Bangkok. Her Majesty's Government hare for some time past been making proyision for this; they are assured by the naval authorities that the arrangements are complete, and the force sufficient. Should more ships be required they will be immediately available. " Finally, there is the question of the integrity and independence of Siam. Her Majesty's Government are fully sensible that this is a subject of grave importance to the British, and more especially to the British Indian, Empire. But the French Government declare themselves to be not less anxious than ourselves to maintain and respect that independence and integrity. " Her Majesty's Government are fully alive to their responsibilities in this matter, and they wUl not lose any opportunity which may present itself of facilitating a satisfactory solution." No. 158. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery.— (Received July 17.) (Telegmphic.) ^ Paris, July 17, 1893, FOLLOWING is M. Develle's full statement of facts and intentions :— The original declarations of the French Government were to the effect that an attack on Bangkok was not contemplated. ' Should such necessity be forced upon it, information would, in view of important commercial interests and large number of subjects, be in due time conveyed to Her Majesty's Government in order that necessary protective measures should be adopted. Subsequently declarations of a similar nature were exchanged to the effect that the forces on the spot should not be increased. The additional French ships, under orders to proceed as far as is allowed by Treaty of 1856, left Saigon on the 10th, but it was understood that, as above indicated, in con- sequence of arrangements subsequently made with Siamese Government, which were comnaunicated to Her Majesty's Government, that, pending receipt of instructionsj French ships should wait at bar. They were subjected to unprovoked fire at bar, where they had intended to remain; they returned fire after they had received two discharges. Fire was then opened upon them by Siamese fleet and by island, and in consequence they proceeded to Bangkok without stopping at Paknam. French Government had so little contemplated uudertg-king hostilities that they had dispatched M. Le Myre de Vilers on the 8th from Paris. His instructions were to come to a settlement with the Siamese Government of the grievances at issue, involving the cession of the left bank of the Mekong and pecuniary compensations necessary. 4-s regards the future, an undertaking cannot be given by the French Government that they will withdraw ships which have just been exposed to an unprovoked attack. Jf placed in sinailar circumstances Her Majesty's Government would not act otherwise, Making e:£oeption for their demand for the cession of the left bank of the Mekong, French Government declare that they do not intend to interfere with the integrity of the Siamese Kingdom. I'renqh demands for indemnity will, of course, be increased by the destruction of the " Say." _ A considerable interruption in telegraphic communications has occurred, and the information to hand is for the most part incomplete. It is even unknown whether the positive orders given to the French naval officers were disobeyed in any respect. No. 159. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Extract.) Foreign Office, July l7, 1893. THE Siamese Minister sent to me on the 15th instant a message requesting that I would see him in the course of the day. I thought it better, however, as on previous occasions during the present 71 discussions between France and Siam, that either he or the English Secretary of Legation should see Sir Thomas Sanderson, at all events in the first instance, and I so informed him. He called, accordingly, in the course of the afternoon, accompanied hy the English Secretary, Mr. Verney, and by an interpreter. He said that his object was to appeal to Her Majesty's Government to use their good offices with that of Erance in order to obtain for Siam less severe treatment than she had recently experienced, and moderate terms of arrangement. Sir T. Sanderson stated that he would of course report to me the request for the good offices of Her Majesty's Government, but that they must themselves feel that the recent encounter between the Siamese batteries and the Erench gun-boats at the mouth of the Menam would render an arrangement much more difficult, and would IfidlsposB the Erench to listen to conciliatory advice on the part of a third Power. The Siamese Minister begged that it might be remembered that the encounter on the Mekong had taken place against the wishes of the Siamese Government, who were greatly embarrassed by the difficulties of communication with their officers. The same difficulty might have been the cause of the encounter at Paknam, as the Siamese Government had apparently relied on the assurance of the Erench Minister that the gun-boats would not attempt to ascend the Menam. But he was not in possession of any details. He strongly urged that in the interests of the whole foreign community at Bang- kok and elsewhere in Siam, and of the large commercial interests involved, it was most expedient that a speedy settlement of the differences with Erance should be obtained. Sir T. Sanderson again promised that he would at once lay before me the request for the good offices of Her Majesty's Government. I am not, however, of opinion that under present circumstances it would be of any avail for Her Majesty's Government to offer those good offices, as they are only desired by one side in the quarrel, and would be resented by the other. Ko. 160. Foreign Office to Mr. Campbell. Sir, Foreign Office, July 17, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, calling attention to the existing relations between France and Siam and to the political situation generally in the latter country. In reply, I am to state that two British gun-boats are now stationed oflF Bangkok, that another British vessel of war is at the mouth of the Menam, and that in case of popular commotion and violence all proper steps will he taken for the protection of British life and property, I am, &c. (Signed) " T. H. SANDERSON. No. 161. Admiralty to Foreign Office. —[Received July 18.) Sir, Admiralty, July 17, 1893. 1 AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of a telegram, dated the l7th July, from the Senior Naval Officer at Bangkok. 1 am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MAOGREGOfe. Inclosure in No. 161. Senior Naval Officer at Bangkok to Admiralty. (Telegraphic) Bangkok, July 17, 1898. THE Danish under arms in the Siamese service claim protection without resigning. The Danish Consul is uncertain whether this can be granted to them. 72 K"o. 162. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 18, 1893. UEEEREING to my telegram of the 15th instant, respecting the protection of Danish subjects residing in Siam by Her Majesty's Government, I have to inform you that in consequence of an inquiry addressed to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by the Senior Naval Officer in Siamese waters I have apprised the Danish Minister that Danish subjects cannot claim British protection while under arms in the service of Siam. This rule is identical with that applied to British subjects who accept military employment under a foreign Government. No. 163. The Earl of Jtosebery to M. de Bills. M. le Ministre, Foreign Office, July 18, 1893. WITH reference to your note of the 14th ^instant, relative to the wish of your Government to learn whether Her Majesty's Government would undertake the protection of Danish subjects residing in Siam in the event of hostilities breaking out between that country and Erance, I have the honour to inform you that the Senior Naval Officer in Siamese waters has been instructed to protect Danish subjects in case of need. That officer has now asked whether Danish subjects under arms in the service of the Siamese Government can claim protection without sending in their resignations. With reference to this inquiry, I have the honour to state that the officer referred to will be .informed that it has been decided that a British subject, by accepting military employment under a foreign Government, forfeits his right to British protection in the country into whose service he had entered, and, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, this decision would apply to the case of a foreigner under British protection. I have, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERT. No. 164. Foreign, Office to Admiralty. Sir, Foreign Office, July 18, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, inclosing a telegram from the Senior Naval Officer at Bangkok respecting the protection of Danish subjects under arms, in the Siamese service. I am to state, in reply, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that it has been decided that a British subject, by accepting military employment under a foreign Government, forfeits his right to British protection in the country into whose service he has entered, and this rule, it is considered, must equally apply to the case of a foreigner under British protection. I am also to transmit copy of a note which has been addressed to the Danish Minister at this Court on this subject,* and to suggest that the Senior Naval Officer in Siamese waters should be informed by telegraph of the purport of this decision. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. • No. 163. 73 No. 166. Captain Jones to the Earl of Moaehery. -^{Received July 18.) (Telegraphic.) Bangko'K, July 18, 1893. THE French prisoner, Captain Thoreux, is expected to reach Erench territory to-morrow. He was ah'eady half-way to Bangkok when the French changed the place for his surrender. Hence the delay. Tranquillity and confidence generally prevail. No. 166. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. —{Received July 19.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 19, 1893. : SIAMESE Government, it is stated authoritatively, were given last night forty- eight hours, at the expiration of which the demands of France are to he complied with. No. 167. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery.— '(Received July 19.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 19, 1893. THE demands which are now to he immediately addressed hy telegraph to Siam are as follows :— 1. Whole of left hank of Eiver Mekong to he ceded. 2. In settlement of all claims, including compensation to sufEerefs from the firing on the 13th July, and for the destruction and plunder of "Say," &c., 3,000,000 fr. to he paid as an indemnity. 3. Officers reeponsihle for the French ships being attacked and Grosgurin's murderers to he punished. The moderation of the demands of the French Government (which does not desire to disturb existing conditions in Siam, nor seek for territorial aggrandizetaent) is due to a wish to terminate the affair with rapidity. Siamese Government are given forty-eight hours within which to comply, at the expiration of which delay, in event of non-compliance, French ships will leave Bangkok and a blockade of the Menam will be established. Instant payment wiU not be pressed for, and on a pledge of the Battambang fisheries on the Grand Lac, or some such security being given, a month or more delay will be probably granted. No. 168. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 19.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, July 19, 1893. SIAMESE Government had plenty of time to avert the unprovoked attack on the French ships on the 13th, because the French Government are in possession of certain proof that the Siamese knew at 10 in the morning that ships were not intended to ascend river. No. 169. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 20.) (Extract.) Paris, July 19, 1893. I HAVE the honour to inclose the report from the "Journal Officiel" of the interpellation by M. Dreyfus on the Siamese question and of M. Develle's declaration in rej)ly. [591] L 74 Inclosure in No. 169. Extract from the "Journal Officiel " of July 19, 1893. M. Jules Develle (Ministre des Affaires Etrang^res) . — Avant de donner a la Chambre les explications qu'elle attend de moi sur les faits qui ont motiv^ I'interpellation de I'honorable M. Dreyfus, je tiens a exposer en quelques mots quelle a ete la politique suiyie par le Gouvernement, dans ces derniers temps, a I'^gard du Siam. Vous n'avez pas oublie, Messieurs, quelles ont ete les origines et la cause du con flit qui nous dirise. A divers reprises on a rappele a cette tribune nos justes griefs contre le Gouvernement Siamois, non seulement a raison des retards apport^s a accorder a nos nationaux, victimes des vexations de ses agents, les reparations qui leur ^taient dues, mais surtout a raison des elnpifetements successifs par lesquels il avait pris possession d'une partie des di^pendances du Cambodge.et de FA.nnam. A quelle 6poque remontent ces empi^tements ? Je ne veux pas le rechercher ; il est malheureusement certain que le silence, I'inaction, je serais presque tente de dire rindiflference, si vous voulez M. TVangois Deloncle, — O'est mallieureusement la verity ! M. le Ministre des Affaires Strang eves. — dont on avait trop longtemps fait preuve avaient enbardi a ce point les Siamois que des postes avaient pu s'installer a 40 kilom. de Hue et que d'autres postes iflenagaient de couper le Tonkin de I'Annam. Messieurs, de semblables envahissements, une pareille invasion, mettaient en peril I'existence de pays qui sont soumis a notre Protectorat et que nous avons le devoir de defendre. Le Gouvernement ne pouvait les toMrer plus longtemps". (Tr^s bien ! Tr5s bien I ) II a toujours d^clar^ qu'il pouvait revendiquer, qu'il avait le droit de revendiquer la rive gauche du Mekong comme la limite m^me de nos possessions d'Indo- Chine. L'honorable M. Delcasse I'avait declare devant vous a la stance du 5 Eevrier dernier, et les applaudissements par lesquels vous aviez accueilli son langage si ferme, si ^nergique, nous avaient prouve que le Parlement pensait comme nous qu'il etait temps de mettre un terme a la violation de nos droits. (Trl's bien ! tr^s bien ! ) Messieurs, forts de votre assentiment et de votre conflance, nous avons r^solu de reprendre la rive gauche du Mekong et de faire valoir nos droits dans cette region. Pour obtenir ce r6sultat, nous avions le choix entre deux politiques : I'une, qui pouvait parattre brillante, qui pouvait etre glorieuse. Nous pouvions envoyer la flotte a Bangkok, adresser un ultimatum au E,oi et exiger delui qu'il donn^t lui-meme I'ordre aux postes Siamois de repasser sur la rive droite du fleuve. Cette politique aurait, en cas de succ^s, procure une solution rapide ; mais nous n'etions pas les maltres d'en arr^ter les consequences. Bangkok est une ville d'au moins 350,000 ^mes, dont la population est composee des elements les plus heterogSnes, d'babitants des nationalites les plus diverses ; une attaque contre Bangkok, de I'avis do tons ceux qui connaissent le pays, de nos marins, de nos diplomates, pouvait provoquer des emeutes, peut-etre une revolution. Nous courrions ainsi le risque d'etre amenes, pour retablir I'ordre, a occuper la ville, peut- etre memo la region; pour le faire, il fallait avoir a notre disposition des forces suffisantes, envoyer les troupes de renfort ; il fallait calculer les consequences de cette aventure, consulter le Parlement ; c'est a vous, Messieurs, qu'il eAt fallu demander des hommes et de I'argent. D'un autre c6te, cette agitation, une emeute, une revolution pouvait servir de pretexte a d'autres Puissances pour intervenir elles-memes en vue de defendre leurs nationaux. D^s lors, la crise etait ouverte. Une attaque contre Bangkok mettait en question I'independance m^me du Siam. Cette independance, nous ne voulons pas v toucher, mais nous desirous, nous voulons qu'il n'y soit pas porte atteinte. (Trfis bien ! tr^s bien ! ) Voila pourquoi nous n'avons pas envoye la flotte a Bangkok. Nous pouvions defendre nos droits d'une fa^on differente mais peut-fetre plus efficace. Nous avons invite le Gouverneur-General de I'lndo-Ohine a reunir les forces qu'il avait a sa disposition, a former des colonnes de tirailleurs Annamites, a les faire monter de Saigon, descendre de Hue, a les diriger sur le Mekong avec ordre de refouler les postes Siamois qu'elles trouveraient devant elles. (Trfes bien ! tr^s bien !) Cette operation a ete conduite, comme vous le savez, avec beaucoup de prudence et beaucoup d'habilete, avec un plein succfes. Nous n'avons pas rencontre de resistance ; il n'y a pas eu, en quelque sorte, de conflit, et nous avons repris possession d'un territoire de pr5s de 500 kilom. Cependant, au cours de ces operations, deux faits se sent produits, deux faitg graves. Je les rappelle pour montrer quelle a et6 I'attitude du G-ouvernement. A Kh6iie, les Siamois, qui avaient evacu^ I'lle, ont essaye le lendemain de sur- prendre la gainison et ils se sont empards du Capitaine Thoreux et de quelques Annamites qui escortaient un convoi. I)6s que J 'en ai recu la nouvelle, j'ai pri6 M. Pavie de faire savoir a la Oour de Siam qie, si le Capitaine Thoreux et les Annamites ne nous 6taient pas rendus, il avait ordre (le quitter imraediatement Bangkok, et que nous aviserions. En meme temps, j'ai fait jjrevenir le Ministre de Siam a Paris ; je lui ai dit de faire savoir a son Gouverne- ment qu'il 6tait indispensable que le Capitaine Thoreux. itit remis entre nos mains, sans qioi il devrait s'appreter a quitter Paris immediatement. La Cour de Siam nous a donn^ a cet ^gard les assurances les plus formelles. Je (lois reconnaitre que le Capitaine Thoreux a 6t6 promen6 peut-6tre trop longtemps dans le Laos et dans le Siam (mouvements divers) ; cependant, si j'en crois certaines depeches qui sont arrivees ces jours derniers, il a 6t6 remis aux autorit^s Fran9aises. Mais alors un autre fait, non pas "pr^tendu ou probable," comme on I'a dit allleurs (tr&s bien!), mais malheureusement trop certain, s'est produit; un de nos Iiispecteurs, M. Grosgurin, qui ^tait malade, a 6t6 assassin^ l&chement dans son lit; l;'s miliciens de son escorte ont 6t6 massacres, et par des ordres de qui ? Par les ordres laeme du Mandarin Siamois qu'il avait 6t4> charg^ de reconduire jusqu'a la fronti^re du Mekonff, pour le proteger centre les populations qui voulaient tirer vengeance de SOS exactions et de ses cruaut^s. (Mouvement.) Ce fait, le Gouvernement de Siam n'a pas os^ en contester I'atrocit^. II a demande qu'on lui laiss^t le temps de prendre des renseignements, de faire une enquete, raais il a d^clar^ que, si le fait 6tait exact, il 6tait pret a nous accorder une reparation complete, A ce moment, pour obtenir les reparations que nous 6tions en droit d'exiger et pour regler la question du Mekong et aussi d'autres questions pendantes, nous avons pense que I'heure ^tait venue de placer le Siam en presence d'une mise en demeure formelle. Nous n'avons pas voulu traiter a Paris; nous avions marqu^ depuis trois mois que nous avions la volonte assez nette et assez ferme d'obtenir et d'exiger au besoin les satisfactions que nous jugions legitimes pour que la Cour de Bangkok f At avertie. Aussi avons-nous charg^ un homme qui connalt bien TExtreme-Orient, qui a ete en relations avec la Cour de Siam, qui jouit a Bangkok et dans le Siam, comme dans toute I'lndo-Chine, d'une grande autorit^, d'etre le Eeprdsentant du Gouvernement Eran9ais et de faire valoir nos justes revendications. M. Le Myre de Vilers a quitte Paris il y a eu Samedi huit jours. Un bateau devait aller le prendre a Singapour pour le conduire plus rapidement a Bangkok. Nous pouvions done avoir I'espoir d'arriver prochainement a une solution definitive, lorsqu'ont eu lieu les evenements du 13 Juillet dernier. Comment ces faits se sont-ils produits, malgr^ toutes les precautions que nous avions prises pour les prevenir ? Je vais le dire. Aussi bien, on me fait jouer dans toute cette affaire un r61e si etrange, on m'a prete vis-a-vis du Gouvernement Anglais une attitude si humiliee, si docile, si indigne d'un Eepresentant de la Erance (vifs applaudissements) que je veux a cet egard m'expliquer compl^tement et sans reserve. (Parlez ! Parlez ! ) On s'est inquiete de savoir quels engagements j'avais pris vis-a-vis du Gouverne- ment Anglais ; il ne m'en a pas demande. A Droite. — II n'aurait plus manque que cela ! M. le Ministre des Affaires Strangeres. — Au contraire, d&s le 9 Mars dernier, Lord Rosebery a spontanement declare h. M. Waddington qu'il avait regu, la veille, la visite du Ministre de Siam a Londres, qui se plaignait des empi^tements de la Erance sur le Mekong, et qu'il lui avait repondu qu'il n' avait pas a s'occuper de cette affaire. Lord Dufferin m'a fait I'honneur de venir me voir au Quai d'Orsay, et il m'a fait tr^s loyalement la declaration suivante : — " Je suis charge par mon Gouvernement de vous dire que dans le conflit que vous avez avec le Siam pour vos fronti^res, vous ne trouverez eu aucune fa9on I'Angleterre devant vous. (Ah ! Tr^s bien ! ) J'ai remercie Lord Dufferin de sa communication en lui disant que la conduite de I'Angleterre etait d'autant plus naturelle que nous n'avions nuUement I'intention de menacer I'independance du Siam et que d'ailleurs nous prenions les mesures necessaires pour assurer la securite de possessions pour lesquelles nous nous etions impose de tr^s grands sacrifices d'hommes et d' argent. (Tr6s bien ! ixhs bien ! ) A quelques temps de 1^, les joumaux — ils ont peut-^tre quelque responsabilite [591] L 2 76 dans cette affaire — publi^rent des informations qui inqui^t^rent vivement I'opinion non seulement en Angleterre, mais en Allemagne, en HoUande, dans toute I'Europe, et qui etaient de nature a provoquer une Amotion legitime chez tons ceux qui ont des amis ou des int^rdts au Siam. On annon9ait I'envoi d'une escadre a Bangkok, le bombarde- ment ou I'attaque prochaine de la ville. J'ai cru alors devoir dire au Ministre d'Angleterre comme au Ministre de HoUande : " N'ajoutez pas foi a ces bruits ; je vous r6pMe que nous n'avons pas I'intention de bombarder ou d'attaquer Bangkok et que si nous devious recourir a cetfce extr^mit^, vous seriez prevenus a temps de fagon a pouvoir prendre les mesures n^cessaires pour la protection de vos nationaux." J'^tais d'autant plus autoris6 a tenir ce langage que, d'apr&s les explications que je vous ai denudes tout k I'heure, une attaque sur Bangkok, devant entratner I'envoi de renforts, nousobligeait a consulter le Parlement et a lui demander son assentiment et son concours. Voila quel a 6ie le sens et la veritable port^e du langage que j'ai tenu. Et d'aiUeurs nous n'avions pas plus a prendre les convenances du Gouvernement Anglais sur les movements de notre flotte que ce dernier n'avait a prendre les convenances de la Prance. Est-ce qu'il I'a fait ? N'ai-je pas appris seulement par les d^bats du Parlement Anglais I'envoi de canonni^res Anglaises au Siam ? C'est le 29 Juin que Sir Edward Grey, r^pondant a une interpellation, d^clarait que le Gouvernement Anglais ignorait ce que la France faisait au Siam, mais qu'il fallait songer a la protection de ses nationaux et qu'il avait envoy^ un bateau, qu'un autre allait partir et qu'un troisi^me ^tait pr^t a rejoindre les deux premiers. (Sourires.) Lorsque je regus cette nouvelle, j'adressai imm6diatement la depecbe suivante a notre GhargiS d' Affaires a Londres : — "En presence des declarations faites bier par Sir Edward Grey a la Cbambre des Communes, il me parait n^cessaire que vous ayez le plus t6t possible une explication avec Lord Rosebery au sujet des affaires de Siam. Vous rappellerez a sa Seigneurie que nous nous sommes trouv^s dans la necessite de prendre des mesures pour arr^ter les empi^tements continus des Siamois au detriment de TAnnam et du Cambodge. Notre action d'ailleurs a gard^ un caract^re strictement pacifique. ;; " A la suite des injonctions qui leur ont 6t6 adressees par les Agents du Gouverne- ment du Protectorate les Siamois ont 6vacue sans resistance la plupart des postes qu'ils avaient ^tablis sur la rive gaucbe du Mekong. Mais, pendant que la Cour de Bangkok nous assurait de son d^sir d'arriver a une solution amiable des questions territoriales pendantes, le d^tacbement Erangais instaUe dans I'lle de Kbdne 6tait attaqu6 par des troupes Siamoises et le Capitaine Thoreux emmen^ prisonnier. " Enfin, tout r^cemment, le Mandarin Siamois de Kammon assassinait traltreuse- ment un de nos agents cbarg^s de le reconduire au Mekong et de le prot^ger centre les populations de la rive gauche, et faisait massacrer les miliciens de I'escorte. Les d^marcbes pressantes faites par notre E,epr6sentant a Bangkok pour obtenir reparation de ces actes, qui constituent la violation la plUs grave du droit des gens, sont rest^es jusqu'a present sans effet. " En presence de cette situation, le Gouvernement de la Reine comprendra que nous ne saurions differer davantage, et que, si nous ne recevons.pas satisfaction dans un court delai, nous nous trouverons dans la necessite d'aviser aux mesure^ a prendre pour amener la Cour de Bangkok a faire droit a nos legitimes revendications. " II est malheureusement a craindre que le Siam ne voie dans les declarations qui viennent d'etre faites au Parlement Anglais, notamment en ce qui concerne I'envoi de batiments Anglais dans les eaux de Bangkok, un encouragement a persister dans sa resistance (tr^s bien I tr^s bien !) et que le Cabinet de Londres n'obtienne ainsi un resultat contraire a celui qu'il se propose. Yous ne dissimulerez pas k Lord Eosebery la surprise que nous a causee le langage tenu par Sir E. Grey alors que, d'apr^s ses propres declarations et celles de Lord Dufferin, nous etions autorises a croire que le Gouvernement de la Beine entendait rester corapl^tement etranger au differend survenu entre nous et le Siam." (Vifs applaudissements.) Lbrd Eosebery perseverant, je m'empresse de le reconnattre, dans les dispositions qu'il avait manifestees d6s la premiere beure, repondit que ces navires n'etaient nulle- ment envoyes a Bangkok pour apporter leur concours au Gouvernement de Siam, qu'ils etaient simplement destines a la protection des nationaux Anglais menaces par remeute. (Mouvements divers.) M. Robert Mitchell. — Comme a Alexandrie ! (Tr^s bien ! On rit.) M' le Ministre des Affaires Strangeres. — Dans ces conditions, le Gouvernement 77 FranQais a pense qu'il devait prendre une semblable mesure et qu'il importait d'augmenter nos forces devant Bangkok. Le 8 Juillet j'adressais a M. Pavie la depeche suivante : — "Le Gouvernement Anglais ayant r^solu d'envoyer plusieursb^timents de guerre h Bangkok, en vue de proteger ses nationaux, nous avons d^oid^ de renforcer nos forces na vales. ^ " Veuillez annoncer au Gouvernement Siamois Parriv^e de riavires qui reioindront le ' Lutin,' en precisant qu'il s'agit exclusivement d'une mesure identique aux disposi- tions dont I'Angleterre et d'autres pays ont pris I'initiative." (Tr^s bien ! tr^s bien !.) Et, pour bien marquer nos intentions pacifiques, j'ajoutais : — " II est d'ailleurs entendu qu'on ne devra engager aucune hostility sans qu'il nous en ait 6t6 r^f^re, sauf le cas oil nos b&,timents seraient attaqu6s et forces ainsi de r^pondre au feu de I'ennemi." (Tr^sbien! tr^sbien!) __ i Quatre jours plus tardy le 12 Juillet, le Ministre des Affaires Etrang^res du Siam fit savoir a M. Pavie que le Gouvernement Siamois ne pouvait autoriser I'entreS de nos navires dans le Me-Nam; que la presence d'un tr^s grand nombre de vaisseaux de guerre dans le port de Bangkok inqui^tait la population, et qu'il ne pouvait tol6rer que la presence d'un navire par Puissance. En meme temps, le Ministre de Siam me faisait la meme communication. a Paris. II ajoutait que les Anglais n'avaient qu'un navire devant Bangkok, que les autres navires n'avaient pas passd la barre, ce qui 6tait exact, j'en avals la confirmation an. meme moment. II me demandait de donner les memes instructions a nos bateaux, parce qu'il y avait des torpilles dans la riviere et qu'il importait d'eviter un conflit. ) Messieurs, f aUait-il passer outre ? Eallait-U, au moment ou nous pouvioias esp^rer qu'il serait possible d'obtenir un arrangement de nature a nous donner toute sa-tisf action, nous exposer a un conflit devant la ville meme que nous n'avions pas voulu attaquer ? Le Gouvernement ne I'a pas pensd L' Amiral Humann, privenu par. M. Pavie, ne I'avait pas pens6 davantage. Et alors, tout en r^servant de la fa9on la plus fornlelle les droits que nous tenons du Traite de 1856, tout en declarant que nous enteudions nous en servir a notre heure et a notre convenance (Trfes bien ! trfes bien ! ), nous avons en meme temps envoye des instructions a nos navires en leur disant de ne pas passer la barre avant nouvel avis. (Mouvements divers.) Les communications t^l^graphiques sent si irreguli^res, si incertaines, si lentes aveo Bangkok, que ces telegrammes ne sont pas arrives a temps. Et alors, vous savez ce qui a suivi : " I'lnconstant " et la " Com6t6," qui ^taient partis le 10 Juillet de Saigon, sont arrives le 13 au soir, sur la barre du M^nam ; ils ont 6t6 accueillis par le feu des forts et des navires Siamois. lis ont, aveo une audace et une intrepidity admirables, franchi les barrages et les torpilles et, ne pouvant pas s'arreter a Paknam, ils ont 6td mouill^s a Bangkok. (Nouveaux applaudissements*) Cependant, le Gouvernement Siamois savait — M. Pavie le lui avait d&lar^ — dans quelles intentions pacifiques 6taient envoy^s nos navires; il savait — le Ministre de Siam a Paris le lui avait t616grapbi6 — que nous avions donn^ I'ordre a nos navires de ne pas depasser la barre, et que par consequent, si le soir ils p6n6traient dans le fleuye, ils en sortiraient le matin; il savait que le Traits de 1856 n'avait pas ^t^ d6nonc6 et qu'n I'obligeait a laisser monter nos bateaux jusqu'a Paknam. _ Et cependant il a donne I'ordre de recevoir nos navires a coups de canon, et cet ordre a et6 ex6cut6 sans avis pr^alable ni sommation d'aucune sorte. (Mouvement.) D^s lors, je n'ai pas a rechercher si les braves Commandants denos navires auraient dA se preoccuper des avis donnas par le Ministre de Prance ou s'ils ne devaient pas executer les ordres qu'ils avaient re9us de leurs chefs, conformepaent au Traits de 1856. Je constate une chose, c'est qu'ils ont et6, dans cette cirponstance, victimes d'un odieux attentat, victimes d'une violation du droit des gens. (Applaudissements.) Et ce n'est pas la le seul acte qui puisse provoquer notre indignation, car le lende- main, apr^s cette funeste rencontre, un navire de commerce, un paquebot des Messageries Eluviales de Cochinchine, le " Jean-Baptiste-Say," qui avait dchou6 la veille et qu'on venait de renflouer a grand'peine, a 6t6 niis a sac par la population de Bangkok pendant que son Equipage 6tait maltrait6 avec la de^niere sauvagerie. (Exclamations.) Voilii les faits. Je n'y insiste pas ; je ne veux y joindre aucun commentaire. Voila la situation en face de laquelle nous nous trouvons. Quel devoir nous impose- t-elle ? Je vais vous le dire. Les aotes du Gouvernement Siamois ne nous permettent pas de patienter davan- tage. (Vifs applaudissements.) II faut que nous sachions dans un bref d^lai si nos legitimes revendicatious sont 78 aocept^es par lui, s'il est pret a r^parer eflfectivement fes dommages causes h nos nationaux et a nous donner satisfaction pour I'assassinat de M. Grosgurin et la violation formelle du Traite de 1856. (Tr^s bien ! tr^s bien ! ) C'est la le minimum (Tr6s bien ! tr&s bien ! ) que pent exiger la dignite de la Prance et qu'exigent aussi nos int^r^ts en Indo-Chine. C'est la defense et la preservation de notre Empire Indo-CIiinois qui a Gt6 le seul but de notre action vis-a-vis du Slam ; nous n'avons jamais voulu porter atteinte a son ind^pendance, mais nous avons le droit d'obtenir pour la sArete et I'integrite de nos possessions les garanties les plus completes et la reconnaissance formelle de nos droits. Si ces legitimes satisfactions ne nous ^talent pg/S donn^es, le Gouvernement devrait y pourvoir. Je veux croire, Messieurs, que vous aurez a cet 6gard pleine confiance dans notre prudence et notre f ermet^. (Applaudissements prolong^s sur tous les bancs.) M. le President. — J'ai re9u de MM. Deloncle et Camille Dreyfus I'ordre du jour suivant : — " La Ohambre, comptant que le Gouvernement prendra les mesures necessaires pour faire reconnaltre et respecter les droits de la Prance en Indo-Chine et exiger les garanties indispensables, passe a I'ordre du jour." M. Louis Jourdan. — Le Ministre des Affaires Btrang^res vient de le dire ! Nous n'avons qu'a prendre acte des declarations du Crouvernement I M. le Prhident. — Je ne suis saisi que d'un seul ordre du jour. M. le Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres. — Cet ordre du jour est accepts par le Gouvernement. M. le President. — ^Je mets aux voix I'ordre du jour dont je viens de donner lecture et qui est accepts par le Gouvernement. (L'ordre du jour, mis aux voix, est adopte.) Sur divers bancs. — A I'unanimite ! II faut que " rOflficiel " constate que le vote a ete u^anime. No. 170. The Earl of Rosehery to Mr. Phipps, (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 20, 1893. YOUE, telegram of yesterday, containing the terms of the French ultimatum to Siam, has been received. The first Article is ambiguous, unless some definition is given as to the extent to which the left bank of the Mekong is being claimed by the Prench, and I should be glad if you could obtain information from M. Develle on this point. No. 171. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Bosebery. -^(Received July 20.) (Telegraphic.) ^ Paris, July 20, 1893. THE ultimatum addressed to the Siamese Government was sent last night at 7 P.M. The Minister of Eoreign Affairs, was unable to define how far northwards the cession of the left bank of the Mekong would extend. That river is simply reo-arded as the proper natural frontier, as regards Siam, of Erench possessions ; but the question is one open for discussion with Her Majesty's Government as far as British rights are concerned. Whilst his Excellency's language was most conciliatory, he said he could not positively take engagements on a geographical question with which at the moment he was not conversant. On examining the map with me, he was unable to specify how far from Xieng Khong other rights would be interfered with; but he will consult the Colonial Office. 79 No. 172. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones, (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 20, 1893. HER Majesty's Government learn from Paris that the ultimatum which the Trench Government have presented to that of Siam, and which has to be accepted within forty-eight hours, is as follows : — 1. Entire left bank of Mekong to be ceded. 2. Payment of an indemnity 3,000,000 fr. as compensation for attack on French ships, for pillage of merchant steamer, and in satisfaction of other claims of Erench citizens. 3. Punishment of those guilty of the murder of M. Grosgurin, and of the attack on Erench ships. Her Majesty's Government are making inquiries as to the real import of Article 1, which is the only one which concerns this country. No. 173. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin, My Lord, Foreign Office, July 20, 1893. IN view of recent events in Siam, and the ultimatum which has been presented by the Erench Government to the Court of Bangkok, it appears desirable that you should without delay return to Paris to exchange views with the Erench Ministry regarding certain points in that ultimatum, which appear to require elucidation. We do not conceive that any ;^art of that document calls for comment on the part of Her Majesty's Government, except that which relates to territorial concessions. The only information we have as to that Article imports that the Erench require that the left bank of the Mekong shall be ceded to Erance. With regard to this two considerations arise. Eirstly, we cannot doubt that the term " left bank " is far too comprehensive in its scope. It cannot of course apply to any districts east of the Mekong Hiver, which the Siamese Government have no power to cede, whether from rights of sovereignty, suzerainty, or reversion possessed by other Powers. And secondly, we are confident that the expression " left bank of the Mekong " is used subject to the assurances repeatedly given by the Erench Government that they would respect the independence and integrity of the Kingdom of Siam. It is clear that any provinces which indisputably form part of that Monarchy could not properly be made the subject of any such demands by the Erench Government. On these points, therefore, it would be well that you should have a f xill and friendly discussion with the Minister for Eoreign Affairs, laying stress upon the limits which the considerations I have described appear to impose on the territorial rearrangement indicated by the ultimatum. In this interchange of views your Excellency will not lose sight of the extreme importance in the interests of both countries of preserving a considerable belt of territory, under the control of an independent kingdom between the Erench and British frontiers. In requesting your Excellency to return to Paris for this purpose, I am not moved by any wish to supersede Mr. C. Phipps, to whose active services during an arduous and difficult period I have pleasure in testifying, but I have felt that, in a situation of delicacy like the present, your Lordship's authority as Ambassador, as well as your thorough knowledge of this subject from having occupied the high post of Viceroy of India at the time of the annexation of Burmah, should be made available. Erom telegrams which have been recently communicated to me by the Siamese Minister here, I gather that his Government would be disposed to accept any advice that may be offered by Her Majesty's Government at this juncture. Should the question of territory be satisfactorily and definitely settled, Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to press generally on the Court of Bangkok the expediency of prompt compliance with the Erench demands. I am, &c. (Signed) SOSEBEEY. 80 No. 174. Captain Jones tn the Earl of Rosehsry. — (Beceived July 21.) (TelegrapWc.) Bangkok, July 20, 1S9S. I THE following ultimatum, which has to be accepted in forty-eight hours, has been presented by the !Prench to the Siamese Government : — 1. Eecognition of the rights of Cambodia and Annam to left bank of Eiver Mekong and the islands. I -' 2. The Siamese shall evacuate, within one month's time, any posts which are there held by "them. 3. Satisfaction for the various acts of aggression against Prench ships and sailors in the River Menam and'against French subjects in Siam. 4i. Pecuniary indemnities to the families of the victims and punishment of the culprits. ■ ' ' ' 5. For various damages inflicted, on French subjects indemnities of 2,000,000 fr.. 6. As a guarantee for the claims under clauses 4 and 5 the sum of 3,000,000 fr. in dollars shall be at once deposited, or, in default, the farming of the taxes of Siemrep and Battambong shall be assigned to the French. In the event of the non-acceptance of these terms the French Minister will leave Bangkok and the blockade of the coast will at once take place. The Siamese Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the French demands for immediate surrender of the country to the east of the Mekong, calls the attention of |[er Majesty's; Government to conditions on which Kiang Chiang was transferred to Siam. No. 175. Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosehery,'— {Received July 21.) fTelegraphic.) Pom, JmZ^/ 21, 1893. i FIRST article of ultimatum is formally explained by Minister of Foreign Affairs as follows : — Siam has been called upon by the French Government to recognize Annamite and Cambodian rights on the left bank of the Mekong, the islands included. Such demand b^g addressed to the Siamese alone. Whenever desired, however, French Government is prepared to resume discussions commenced in 1892 and in February of this year, with Her Majesty's Government respecting the rights of Great Britain, and any questions concerning a neutral zone which may interest the two nations. ; Rights of third parties will be scrupulously respected by France. No. 176. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery — {Received July 21.) My Lord, 28, Fenehurch Street, London, July 21, 1893. I HAVE the honour to hand you copies of two telegrams we have received from our Manager in Bangkok torday, dated respectively 920 a.m. and 6*25 p.m. : — "9*20a.m. •' Prospects bad. Siamese Government continue obstinate. Have r^son to expect fighting." "6-25 P.M. " You may expect fighting unless British Government will use their influence to prevent. Our opinion is that this is the only chance to avoid it." I have, &c. (Signed) AND. CURRIE, Secretary of the Borneo Company {Ldmited). ?1 No. 177. The Earl of Rosehery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) ' Foreign Office, Juhi 21, 1S9S. WE have commenced negotiations at Paris with a view to obtaining a satisfactory settlement respecting the limits of the cession of territory demanded by Prance from Siam. It would be fatal to the Siamese Government to take any rash action at the present juncture. No. 178. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 21, 1893. THE Borneo Company have received the following telegrams from their, repre- sentative at Bangkok : — " Prospects bad. Siamese Government continue obstinate. I have reason to expect fighting." " You may expect fighting unless British Government will use their influence to prevent. Our opinion is that this is the only chance to avoid it." Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok has been instructed to dissuade the Siamese Government f I'om any rash action pending negotiation as to the limits of the territorial cession demanded by France. No. 179. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 22.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 22, 1893. OWING to the harsh pressure of circumstances, the Siamese Government find themselves forced to submit to the conditions imposed by Erance ; but with regard to the territory claimed on the Mekong, they ask for more definite details. I will telegraph particulars to your Lordship directly they are known. No. 180. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marqms of Dufferin. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 23, 1893. I HAVE received your Excellency's telegram of the 22nd instant,* reporting the substance of your conversation with M< Develle on the Franco-Siamese crisis. The impression I have derived from it on the whole is favourable ; but the line now taken by the French in saying that they will only claim territory actually in the possession of Siam offers a strange commentary on their promises to us that they would respect the integrity of Siam. ^ The line of argument taken by your Excellency appears to me excellent throughout, especially where you warned M. Develle against listening to experts, ayIio are frequently ready to risk embroiling the whole world fox the possession of a worthless inorass. Modifications cannot, it is true, now be made in the ultimatum, which has been published in the newspapers. It is, however, necessarily subject to the declarations previously made by the French Government as to the preservation of the independence * See No. 185. [591] M 82 of Siam, the maintenance of which no less affects their honour than does the maintenance of the ultimatum. These declarations are looked on hy Her Majesty's G-overnment as forming the authoritative and precedent materials for the interpretation to he placed on the terms of the ultimatum. No. 181. The Earl of JRosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 23, 1893. ACCORDINGr to the latest information in our possession, 87 per cent, of the whole shipping trade at Bangkok as regards tonnage, and 93 per cent, as regards the value of cargoes, is British. This may,, to use M. Develle's expression, he the accident of the situation, hut it is one which very naturally carries much weight in this country, and would have even more weight, in the event of the French declaring a hlockade of the Siamese coasts. Xo. 182. * Captain Jones to the Earl of Mosebery. — {Received July 23, 5 P.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 23, 1893, THE following is the reply returned hy Siam to the French ultimatum : — 1. The King of Siam declares that no explicit definition has as yet ever been made to the Siamese Government as to what constitutes the rights of Cambodia and Annam on the Mekong. But as His Majesty is anxious at once to secure peace and security for his people, ho agrees to cede to France the country lying to the south of the 18th parallel of latitude and to the east of the Mekong. 2. The withdrawal of all Siamese posts within the above-mentioned territory to take place forthwith. 3. The loss of life which has occurred in the recent actions between the French and the Siamese forces is regretted by the King, and the satisfaction required by France wiU be given in accordance with ordinary justice and the independence of Siam which the French Government affect to respect. 4. Those found guilty of illegal aggression will receive condign punishment, and the sufferers will receive due reparation. 5. The King agrees to pay the indemnity demanded on account of the claims advan(;ed by French subjects, although the justice of many of them has been denied by the Siamese. His Majesty, however, suggests that a Joint Commission should first investigate these claims. 6. The sum of 3,000,000 fr. required as guarantee will be deposited, concurrently with the exchange of notes between the Eepresentatives of France and Siam. After the equitable adjustment of all reasonable claims, the King trusts that French justice will restore to Siam any sum which may remain over. This compliance with the demands of France will, the King trusts, be looked upon as a proof of his sincere desire to live with the French Republic on terms of friendship. No. 183. Captain Jones to the Earl of Boseiery, -^{Received July 23.) (telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 23, 1893. THE Siamese concessions on the River Mekong have apparently failed to satisfy the French Minister at Bangkok, but the state of the tide will, in any case, preclude his leaving this place before the 26th instant. A French corvette will relieve the gun-boat " Lion " here. 83 No. 184. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {^Received July 23.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 23, 1893'. AS the Siamese reply to the French ultimatum refuses the concession of a consider- able portion of the left bank of the River Mekong, the French Minister has notified to the Siamese Grovernment that he will leave Bangkok on the 26th instant. The French gun-boats leave immediately, and the protection of French subjects and interests will he confided to the care of the Dutch Eepresentative. No. 185. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery* — {Received July 24.) (Extract.) Paris, July 23, 1893. I NOW proceed to report to your Lordship the substance of the conversation I had yesterday with M. Develle on the affairs of Siam. [ had informed his Excellency early in the morning of my arrival in Paris, and he had appointed 6 o'clock in the afternoon for our interview. Perhaps this late hour was named in order to give time for the arrival of the Siamese reply to the French •ultimatum before M. Develle saw me, but it had not reached his hands when I presented myself at the Foreign Office. After a short preliminary conversation, I informed M. Develle that I had been sent with instructions to enter upon a friendly interchange of ideas with him in reference to the Siamese question, and more especially with regard to the interpretation which the French Government intended to place upon the first Article of their ultimatum, namely, the demand that Siam should recognize "the left bank of the Mekong" as the western boundary of the French possessions in Indo-China. I then communicated to his Excellency in very exact and careful language the entire substance of your Lordship's instructions to me as contained in your despatch of the 20th July, and I insisted at some length on the various considerations which had induced your Lordship to suppose that in using the term "the left bank of the Mekong" his Excellency could not have intended to claim for France the immense tracts of Siamese territory extending not to the east, and abutting upon Annam, but to the northwards of the Upper Mekong, and conterminous with China, not to mention the districts lying beyond which had been incorporated with Her Majesty's Empire of India after the conquest of Burmah. M. Develle replied that as it was with Siam, and with Siam alone, that France was dealing, there could be no question of her laying claim to any territory outside the Kingdom of Siam, no matter how situated, and he incidentally gave me the further assurance that there was no truth in the report that hia Government had any intention of taking possession of the Siamese Provinces of Battambang and Angkor. I then produced a map which I had brought with me, and, pointing out the way in which the Mekong makes a sudden bend just above the 18th parallel of latitude to the southward and westward, and the subsequent bend in the same direction at the 20th parallel, I asked M. Develle whether the extensive territories at these points between the Mekong and the actual Frencli boundary depicted upon the existing French maps, com- prising the Principality of Luang Prabang and other districts, were also claimed by France as lying on " the left bank of the Mekong." M. Develle said that they were intended to be included under that definition, and that France claimed a right to Luang Prabang and the adjacent countries as being ancient and historic dependencies of Annam ; and that furthermore she had always insisted that her territorial sovereignty extended all along the left bank of the Mekong. I ventured to express my extreme surprise at this latter statement, and I called M. Develle's attention to the fact that on several occasions M. Waddington, in his communications with the Marquis of Salisbury, had, in the most explicit terms, repudiated any such pretensions on behalf of his Government. On the 3rd April, 1889, in reference to a proposal for the neutralization of Siam, M. "Waddington had observed that it would be necessary in the first instance that the frontiers between Cochin China and Siam should be fixed. "As regarded the frontier of Cochin China, the French Government did not wish to extend it to Luang Prabang, • Substance telegraphed. [591] M 2 84 but they would propose to draw a line from a point nearly due east of that place south- wards to the Mekong, and below tlmt point to make the river the dividing line between the two countries until it entered the territory of Cambodia." Again, on the 16th February, 1892, M. Waddington told Lord Salisbury " that he did not propose that either Power should recognize the other as advancing as far as the banks of the Mekong, but only the negative engagement that they should not cross the river." On the 10th May of the same year M. Waddington observed to Lord Salisbury " that he did not contend that the present sphere of influence either of France or of Great Britain should be extended up to the Mekong. His proposal was not the assertion of present rights, but merely as a prophylactic." I further remarked that even if France had persistently advanced such a claim as M. Develle had supposed, which certainly she had not done through any authoritative channel, a claim by no means proved a right, and that many claims advanced both by nations and by individuals had been found on examination to be unsubstantial and unjust. I theh recurred to the proposed absorption by France of Luang Prabang and the adjacent districts, an area comprising nearly 100,000 square miles, which had been universally recognized for years past as integral parts of the Siamese Kingdom, and 1 recalled M. Develle's attention to that part of your Lordship's instructions in which you desire me to insist on the incompatibility of the confiscation by France of so considerable a proportion of the Kingdom of Siam with M. Develle's and the French Government's previous assurances that they had no intention to- allow their disputes with Siam on the Lower Mekong to entail any measures which would jeopardize her integrity or her^ independence. How could these professions, I asked, which I knew had been made in perfect sincerity, be reconciled with the slicing off of what amounted to nearly a third of the kingdom ? M, Develle listened to me with his usual courtesy and attention, and it was impossible not to feel that he was giving a very anxious consideration to 'my arguments. He seemed particularly struck with what I had told him about M. Waddington's com- munications to Lord Salisbury on the subject. I then proceeded to touch upon another aspect of the question. I said that our two Governments were pretty well agreed upon one very important point, namely, that it was desirable that France and England should not become limitrophe in Asia, and that Siam as an independent State should be left as a buffer between them^ Again referring to the map, I pointed out that were France to take possession of the left bank of the Upper Mekong, it would bring her into direct contiguity with Burmah, in consequence of the two rapid . bends which the Northern Mekong takes to the westward, and that the approach of a great military Power like France to a frontier at present lying naked to attack could not be regarded by us with indifference, even if the previous considerations I had submitted to him were for the moment to be left out of account. And in this connection I called M. Develle's attention to the fact that in our recent cession to Siam of a Shan State which had hitherto been subject to Burmah, we had expressly stipulated that it should never be allowed to pass under the jurisdiction of another Power, and that, consequently, we ourselves possessed a reversionary interest in this portion of Siamese territory "which was situated on the left bank of the Mekong." Although there are some further considerations which it may be desirable to submit to M. Develle, I thought that I had said enough for the present, and T therefore concluded by impressing upon him in as earnest terms as I could command the extreme gravity which the situation might assume were the French demands to be pressed upon Siam beyond what was just and reasonable, and in conformity with the legitimate interests of other Powers. Was it worth while, I asked, for the sake of a violent acquisition of territory to which France herself must know she had no legal right, to risk such grave complications as must inevitably arise were the claim to the left bank of the Mekong to be interpreted in an unrestricted and literal sense ? But 1 said that if I rightly undei'stood the terms of the first Article of the ultimatum as verbally communicated to Mr. Phipps (for we had never received a copy of it), it had itself contained some sort of qualification in a geographical reference to Cambodia and Annam. In any event M Develle could not have failed to understand that, althougii at the outset of the dispute the English Government had considered the misunderstanding between France and lier Siamese neighbour in regard to obscure questions of delimitation on the Lower Mekong as beyond their purview, the situation was entirely changed when the expanding claims of the French Government jeopardized the integrity of the entire Kingdom of Siam, brought France nearly half-way down to Bangkok, and into actual juxtaposition with ourselves and Burmah. Such a transformation of the French pretensions was 86 undoubtedly calculated to excite alarm in England, and the most serious apprehensions in the mind of Her Majesty's Government. After again listening with the most courteous attention to this further exposition of our views, M. Develle observed that the terms of the first Article of his ultimatum having been pubhshed to the world, and all France being acquainted with them, he could not now alter them, especially under manifest pressure from us. Public opinion in France was equally excited. The Siamese had been guilty of various outrages, and had committed considerable wrongs on French subjects. They had fired upon French ships of war, and we must not be surprised at France pursuing a line of conduct which England herself would have adopted in similar circumstances. But he himself was quite ready to recognize the force of my observations in regard to the necessity of leaving a "buffer" between the Asiatic possessions of France and England, and thus leave a door open for future negotiations. I thought it prudent to ask his Excellency to give me an assurance that an acceptance on the part of the Siamese of the first Article of the ultimatum should not militate against a settlement of this part of the question in the sense desired by us. He was good enough formally to promise that it should not, inasmuch as it referred to a different order of idea, and was a matter of joint interest to Great Britain and to France. In any event, he added, he must consult his experts. This observation filled me, I confess, with considerable misgivings. Of course I could raise no objection to such a course, but in as coui-teous a manner as was possible I ventured to observe that subordinates in a public office were often fanatically anxious about special points, and were prone to sacrifice the larger interests of their country in pursuit of their own narrower preoccupations, and that it was his Excellency who was responsible for the peace of Europe and the world, about which these experts generally cared but little. Before taking my leave I asked M. Develle what course he proposed to pursue in the event of the Siamese rejecting his ultimatum. He said that in that case the French Representative would embark on board one of the Government ships now anchored before Bangkok, and that the French squadron would then retire * outside the mouth of the Menam, with the view, as I understood, of instituting a blockade. On this I observed that such a blockade would be like riding another man's horse with one's own spurs; that it would greatly injure German and English interests (it is stated that the trade of England with Siam amounts to more than 2,500,000^, or 80 per cent, of the whole tonnage), while it would not in the least touch French commerce. For this result M.. Develle said there was no help. It was merely an accident of the situation. Our conversation lasted an hour and a-half, and I need not say that it was conducted on either side in the most courteous and friendly spirit, as persons talk who are equally desirous of finding a solution to a difficulty, and are aware that their failing to do so might entail serious consequences. 'So. 186. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 24.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 24, 1893. THE French Minister has just hauled down his flag. No. 187. M. de Bille to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 25.) , M. le Comte Legation de Danemark, Londres, le 24 .Juillet, 1893. APRES avoir communique au Gouvernement du Roi la r^ponse que votre Excellence a bien voulu me faire par une note du 18 courant en egard a la protection des sujets Danois en Siam, je suis charge d'exprimer a votre Excellence la gratitude de mon Gou- vernement pour I'empressement que vous avez mis a vous rendre h. son d^sir et a donner les ordres necessaires aux Repr&entants de Sa Majeste la Reine ^ Bangkok pour que leur protection soit accordee aux sujets du Roi a Siam a moins que ceux-ci ne se trouvent au service militaire de ce royaume. Le Gouvernement du Roi partage I'opinion de votre Excellence, d'apres laquelle un sujet Danois en prenant service Siamois perd ses droits a la protection nationale. ^ " - t VeuiUez, &c. (Signe) F. BILLE. 86 (Translation.) My Lord, Danish Legation, July 24, 1893. HAVIN'Gr communicated to His Majesty's G-overnraent the reply which your Excellency was good enough to make to me in a note of the 1 8th instant with regard to the protection of Danish subjects in Siam, I am instructed to express to your Excellency the gratitude of my Government for the promptitude with which yon complied with their wishes and gave the necessary instructions to Her Majesty's Eepresentatives at Bangkok to extend their protection to the King's subjects in Siam, unless they are in the military service of that kingdom. Her Majesty's Government concurs in your Excellency's opinion that a Danish subject entering the Siamese service loses his right to the protection of his nation. I have, &c. (Signed) F. BILLE. No. 188. Petition j-rom Merchants, Bankers, and Ship-owners to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 25.) My Lord, 1 , Whittington Avenue, London, July 24, 1 893. WE, the undersigned merchants, bankers, and ship-owners interested in the trade of Siam, desire to address your Lordship on the subject of the effect on the interests which we represent of the action that it is reported that France is taking against the Siamese Government. In the first place, the immense territorial concessions demanded from Siam by the French Government must necessarily threaten the independence of the Siamese Govern- ment, and weaken its control over its other outlying possessions. And, secondly, if these concessions are insisted upon, the area open to other foreign trade than that of France will be greatly restricted. Further, the effect of the blockade of the coast of Siam will not he more injurious to the Government and people of Siam itself than it will be to British trade and shipping. It will also seriously imperil the food supplies of the Straits Settlements and of Hong Kong, and of all the other countries that usually draw their supplies largely from these centres. Li fact, a continuance of the blockade might mean famine among the Asiatic population of Her Majesty's Eastern possessions. We have, &c. (For the Straits Settlements Association), (Signed) WM. PATERSON, Chairman. (And 27 other Firms.) No. 189. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 25.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, July 25, 1893. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that M. Pavie will leave Bangkok in the course of this afternoon, and it is probable that an immediate declaration will he made of a blockade by the French ships. If it is determined that this blockade shall be established reasonable notice should he given, as British trade alone will suffer by it. No. 190. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Duferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, July 25, 1893. THE French Chargd d' Affaires called upon me this morning at my request, as he had sent me at a very late hour last night a notice that his Government intended to declare a blockade of the Menam River. M. d' Estournelles explained that it was not an 8? official notification, but only a communication of the intention of the French Govern* ment to establish a blockade. This, I said, imposed upon me the duty of making two inquiries. The first was, what arrangements would be made for giving notice to neutral commerce in the port of Bangkok ? And, secondly, what facilities would be given for victualling our ships of war lying off the city for the protection of British subjects and property ? M. d'Estournelles took note of my inquiries, and then fell into more general conver- sation on the aspects of the present situation in Siam. He was convinced the questions at issue could be settled between M. Develle and myself without difficulty, but he did not disguise that his correspondence with Paris disclosed a state of opinion in France of a most alarming character. Every one in France was convinced, to speak frankly, that the British ships had been ordered to Bangkok to encourage Siam in her resistance, and that our Minister there, with or without authority, had given advice to the Siamese Government in that direction. I answered that I could not admit either statement ; that the universal demand of the mercantile community made it impossible for me not to. send ships to Bangkok for the protection of British life and property, and that, as a matter of fact, I had offered to keep our ships outside the bar. With regard to Captain Jones, I had repeatedly telegraphed, cautioning him against the slightest interference with Siamese affairs, except in the directioii of my own advice, which was to come to terms with France as quickly as possible, and he solemnly assured me that he had literally obeyed my injunc- tions. Our policy, 1 continued, ha!d all along been to rely on French promises, and I regretted to say that, no doubt under the force of circumstances, these had not been fulfilled. What I saw was that we were moving fast towards a most dangerous and critical position. There was, however, one point in this controversy respecting which our interests were clear and definite. AVe could not have a conterminous frontier with France in Burmah. That vvould involve vast expenditure on both sides, and lines of armed posts garrisoned by European troops. M. d'Estournelles appeared to agree, and brought forward a series of personal suggestions, to the following effect : — 1. There should be a reciprocal engagement by France and England not to cross the Upper Mekong. 2. In order to avoid contact, it might be agreed that the British posts should remain to the west of the water-parting between the Salween and the Mekong, and the French posts to the east of the water-parting between the Nam Ou and the Mekong. Th© populations situated between the Salween and the Nam Ou to remain in statu quo. 3. As regards Luang Prabang, the French claim would not be advanced beyond the left bank of the Mekong. I thanked M. d'Estournelles for the suggestions which, I said, might possibly form a basis for negotiation. But I could in no way pledge myself with regard to them. In any case, you were intrusted with the conduct of the negotiation, and if the proposals recom- mended themselves to M. Develle, it would be advisable for him to mention them to your Excellency. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERT. No. 191. Borneo Company to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received July 26.) My Lord, 28, Fenchurch Street, London, July 26, 1893. THE statement made in the House of Commons last night by Sir Edward Grey, that verbal notice had been received of an intention on the part of the French Govern- ment to establish a blockade of the coast of Siam, causes us great anxiety. At the moment we are loading outside the bar of the Menam River an Italian vessel, the " Savoia." At yesterday's date a telegram advises us that she has 1,300 tons of rice on board, and presumably our firm is urging on the loading as fast as possible. Wc are therefore desirous of knowing, if possible, when we must cease loading and get the ship away to avoid the consequences of the blockade. The cargo is for the United Kingdom or Continent, and we further desire to know if this fact would not preclude seizure, as, being bound to a neutral port, her cargo cannot be considered contraband of war. We further have a Norwegian ship, " Emilie Marie," loading teak in the river at 88 the town of Bangkok, and we should be glad to know what her position will be as to getting out when loaded. T iifliVP oCf* (Signed) ' AND. CURRIE, Secretary of the Borneo Company {Limited). No. 192. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 27.) My Lord, Paris, July 25, 1893. AT my interview with M. Develle on Saturday afternoon I took the opportunity of a reference he made to his speech in the Chamber on the Siamese question on the 1 8th July to call his attention to the fact that he had described me as having formally announced to him, " on behalf of Her Majesty's G-overnment," that England had no intention of intervening in the delimitation dispute which had then begun between the Siamese and the French in the neighbourhood of the Mekong River. As a matter of fact, I had never been instructed by Her Majesty's Government to make any communi- cation to him on that subject, nor had I done«so in their name ; but I certainly did remember mentioning during the course of a very casual conversation that, as far as I could judge, the English Eoreigri Office was inclined to consider the delimitation squabble on the Lower Mekong, in its then phase, as beyond our purview. The remark was made in order to emphasize the predominance of our interests on the Upper Mekong. The matter, I added, was now of no practical importance, and I merely alluded to it in the interests of historical accuracy. I have, &c. (Signed) DUEEERIN and AVA. No. 193. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery,— (Received July 27.) My Lord, Paris, July 26, 1893. AT my request Mr. Phipps called this afternoon at the Foreign Office in order to obtain, if possible, further information in regard to the blockade of the Siamese coast. He was informed that as yet no information was available as to the precise date on which it would be enforced, or as to its geographical extension, and that the arrival on the spot of Admiral Humann must be awaited. He was further assured that sufficient time would, according to custom, be afForded for the departure of such ships as might have loaded their cargoes previous to the date of the enforcement of the blockade, and that the earliest possible information on all these points would be conveyed to Her Majesty's Government. I have the honour to inclose an extract from the " Temps " of this evening relative to this subject. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. Inclosure in No. 193. Extract from the " Temps" of July 27, 1893. COMME nous I'a t^ldgraphi6 hier notre correspondant de Saigon, I'Amiral Humann est parti pour le Golfe de Siani-avec la " Triomphante," " I'Alouette," la " Vip^re," et quelques torpilleurs. II rejoindra domain au plus tot le "Forfait," qui etait deja sur le banc du Menam, et les trois navires qui ont quitle Bangkok. On a parle des limites dans lesquelles le blocus devait s'effectuer. Nous croyons que rien n'a ete decide k cet 6gard et que c'est TAmiral Humann qui determinera sur place les points extremes dans lesquels tout mouvement maritime sera interdit. L'etendue. de la c6te mis en dlat de blocus peut effectivement s'etendre de mani^re ^ comprendre, en dehors du M^nam, les embouchures des Rivieres Tachin et de Pack- Kong, qui com- muniquent avec le M^nam par des canaux int^rieurs. , i, . 89 Dans ces conditions, il se pent que I'Aniiral Humann eiFectue le blocus de I'em bouchure du Tachin h. celle du Pack-Kong, soit sur toute l'6tendue de la partie septan- trionale du Golfe de Siam, ce qui represenle une centaine de kilometres de c6tes. C'est egalement le Commandant de nos forces, navales qui deterniinera le mouillage dans lequel les navires bloqueurs viendront refaire leurs approvisionnements, la rade de Saigon ^tant trop eloignee du theatre des operations. II existe dans le Golfe de Siara, plusieurs mouillages de valeur bien differente. 11 y a d'abord, sur la c6te du Cambodge, le mouillage de la presqu'lle Samit, dans la bale de Kompong-Song et dont les abords viennent d'etre reoccupes par des forces Fran9aises. Puis en remontant vers Bangkok, on trouve le mouillage des lies Cokut et Cochang, celui de I'lle Co-Samit, enfin celui de I'lle Co-Sichang, un des meilleurs et le plus rapproche de I'embouchure du Menam. II est Evident que le choix du mouillage est subordonn^ a des considerations d'ordre divers dont I'Amiral Humann et le Gouvernement devront apprecier la valeur. ^0. 194. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Bosebery. — {Received July 27.) (Extract.) Paris, July 26, 1893. I HAVE now to report the result of my second interview with M. Develle. The conversation began on M. Develle's part with a very bitter diatribe against the form in which the reply to the French ultimatum had been drawn by the Siamese. I observed, in reply, that the Siamese were not well versed in the refined language of European diplomacy, and that practically they had acquiesced in all the demands of France, except in respect of a portion of the 1st Article, M. Develle did not exactly deny this, but complained, amongst other things, of their insisting that whatever part of the money exacted was left over after satisfying the claims of individual Frenchmen should be handed back, to which I answered that, after all, the person who pocketed the cash might very well overlook a little ill-humour upon the part of the person who had to pay up. We then proceeded to renew our discussion on the main question, during the course of which we went over a good deal of the ground which we had covered at our interview on Saturday, M. Develle still maintaining his two previous theses : first, that Luang Prabang was an actual dependency of Annam ; and, secondly, that France ah antiquo had vindicated her right to the left bank of the Mekong. Upon my part, I urged that to adduce Annam's historical claim to Luang Prabang was a dangerous line of argument, for we might on almost equally tangible grounds demand the retrocession of IsTormandy, Gascony, and Guienne. M. Develle knew as well as I did that in every French Annuaire, in every French map, in every French Geographical Gazetteer, Luang Prabang, until a year ago, had been described as an integral part of Siam. It was true that within the last twelve months a mysterious revolution had occurred in the minds of French geographical authorities, but as an honest man he must be as convinced as I was, that the district^n question was and had been for nearly a century &on^^de Siamese territory, and that it could not be confiscated by France without a flagrant infringement of the formal assurances he had given us not to impair the integrity of Siam. As for the pretension advanced by France ah antiquo to the left bank of the Mekong, such a supposition was not only contradicted by M. Waiidington's express declarations on the subject, but by the further fact, that under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 18S6 the French had claimed the right of sending a Vice-Consul to Luang Prabang. This in itself was an absolute proof that the locality belonged to Siam. M. Develle objected that the Convention in question had been refused ratification by the French Chambers. That, I said, did not in any degree affect my contention. The draft Convention distinctly showed in what light Luang Prabang was at that time regarded by the French Government. M, Develle then proceeded to reinforce his previous arguments by various other considerations, amongst them that the tribes on the western borders of Tonquin had been lately giving a good deal of trouble, and that it was necessary therefore that they should be subjected to French authority, and he endeavoured to minimize the character of the contemplated annexation. At this point M. Develle put up the shutters on this compartment by saying that the ultimatum having once been published to France and to Siam, it was impossible for the Government, in the excited state of public opinion, to withdraw or modify it. After expressing my great regret at so untoward an intimation in regard to the ultimatum, which I could not help thinking had beeij launched somewhat *' ^ la 16fffere " gd I suggested to M. Deveile that we should proceed io a discussion of the further aspect of the question, namely, as it affected English iij^erests apart from those of Siam, 9.nd I again reminded him that it was quite out of the question that we should accept an arrangement which made France conterminous with our Indian Empire. France herself had ailways advocated the policy of introducing an independent State as a " buffer " between the two countries, and it was evident that it was for the advantage of both France and England that a neutral territory should intervene between them. To this M. Deveile cordially assented. He said that he fully recognized our right to intervene in the Franco-Siamese question on these grounds^ and that he was most anxious to consult our wishes and interests in the matter, whether as regarded our predilection in favour of the " buffer " principle, or our desire for facilities for trade with China in that neighbourhood. I then asked him whether he had in his own mind considered the width of the area which should be left between our respective frontiers, and as we bent over the map together I pointed out the Nam U, which flows into the Mekong a little to the west of Luang Prabangj as affording a suitable line of demarcation, if "we were driven to a solution on this basis, and our views in regard to Luang Prabang were to be ignored. His Excellency did not seem to be averse to this suggestion, though he subsequently said he would prefer to substitute its western watershed for the river itself, on the understanding that a parallel line should demarcate the Burmese frontier between the Salween and the Mekong. On this I told him that, to the best of my belief, such a line already existed. In right of Burmah the jurisdiction of England had been extended over the Shan Province of Kyaing Chaing, which lay on both sides of the Mekong, but, with the view of consulting French susceptibilities, and in order to avoid the appearance of advancing too far eastwards, we ourselves had already re-enforced the "buffer" principle by handing this province over to Siam, and retiring to a copsiderable distance westwards from the Mekong. I further reminded him that Sir Edward Grey would be expected to give some account in the House of Commons to-morrow of the stage at which our negotiations had arrived. I recognized the difficulty there would be if the French Government were to modify the position it had assumed. What, therefore, I would propose was this : that Sir Edward Grey should be authorized to announce that the French Foreign Office was perfectly prepared, in consultation with your Lordship, to constitute a wide territory, inde- pendent both of England and of France, which should remain as a permanent ," buffer '' between the two countries. No. 195. Lefidsi O^amber of Commerce to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received July 27.) My Lord, Leeds, July 26, 1893. 1 Am instructed by the Council of this Chamber to forward the following Eesolution, which was unanimously passed by them at their meeting held to-day : — " That this Chamber views with great concern the action of France towards Siam, as threatening both the independence and stabihty of a friendly and unaggressive neighbour and the large t^r^jiing interests of this cpuntry ; and the Chamber trusts that the Govern- ment willpersevere in its eiideavours to mitigate the evils which at the present moment seem io Ije impending." I llflrVG &C (Signed) ' EHODES K. CALVEET, Secretary. No. 196. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 27, 1893. MAY I understand from your Excellency's despatch of the 26th instant that Her Majesty's Government are authorized to make a statement in Parliament that, although France is unable to introduce any alteration into the first Article of the ultimatum, she recognizes the necessity for the maintenance of a neutral territory between the French possessions and those of Her Majesty's Government in the extreme past ? I consider that the lirie of the Nam U mentioned in jour despatch would be the proper eastern frontier of the intervening territoiry, . - W?^^PFH»«!!W!!"!W the hope of securing protection of these interests from jandue interference, [591] P 106 1 inclose a Eeturn showing value of imports and exports during the last three years, and with regard to the latter 1 am directed to draw your special attention to British manufactures, under the several heads^ ^yhich ainaost entirely supply Siam with her requirements. This particular trade is for the moment paralyzed, and the restriction appears now to he extending to all the coast ports tributai-y to Siam, mih. which, at the present open time of the year, an active business is usually conducted. "With respect to imports, you will observe from the Returns the large and increasing value of rice. The present crop is reported as still larger, but much of it is being retained up-country consequent upon the general fear said to exist amongst the people, and which is preventing them trom bringing their paddy down to the mills or to the port of shipment. Of rice imported into this Settlement from all countries, it will be observed by the accompanying Eeturn — marked (0) — that, taking the last five years, the quantity from Siam ranges from 35 to 45 per cent, of the total import. Any interference, therefore, with this source of .supply may have serious consequences in afffeeting the price of food, and, in event of any blockade at Bangkok, might prove disastrous to the many interests involved. The Chamber took due pote of the telegraphic intelligence that Her Majesty's Government had intimated to the Siamese that th(?5r would not interfere in the present dispute with France. It is not supposed that such intimation would exdjjide repre- sentations being made, on one side or the other, to protect purely British interests, and it is in this view that the Chamber would urge upon the Governor to lose no time in laying the question before the Colonial Office in such manner as to his Excel- lency may appear fit. I have, &c. (Signed) T. SHELFOED, Chairman. Memorandum (A)..^Singapob.e. Siam. Arrivals. Departures. Shipping with Kegistered Tonnage. Registejied Touflage. ISflO. 1891. 1892. 1890. 1891. 1&92. Square-rigged British „ foreign Native craft . . • • • • f • • • • • • • 106,764 32.744 2,703 9S,416 20,822 1 106,114 ; 11,022 823 188,674 i 44,950 4,002 Ill, •022 30,678 1,785 126,468 18,964 2,131 Total 141,201 114,238 117,959 237,526 143,485 146,564 107 I 00 a o 005eOOWOOC^«500 eivt9.-ii-it-.>n(M,-i>oi>.i-ioi>oM(N>o ?H009Qi3soooieOi-''^eooo«0'*, «5 0. '-I O r-i i-H 1-1 w CT W oq- CO ,'or^ooM^cpcocnrHr-QOoorHt-»iot~eocjor-03tD .■<*imr~u3eo-«'a>OcDOi, toaoO''5(NO g >o -fl" (N i-i (M !N c^ Tjf r-. (Hf-j^or oj-*__»o_r-t_ S. lo" CO « 00 «r CO CO !»' tc ui .^'" to V to CO o SOS'coOQ»OOOi:*i-lCOW5iC«3'0^»-)iOtD O rHr-irnro; (MCO I-H tOrH(Mr-l 00 CO l^ 00 co" o ■* 1— CO 00 do to ■<(<_ oToo" cq i-i co__-* ■* CO -H en 00 00 00 .-H o_>ra us 00 ■* 00 00 co" -* 00 O o> 00 CO ^o -u to II CO si CM CO *^ o (N O .'CO :«« « T g o tn i S P ^ o cs '^ -- o M CO 0$ OS 00 . i;- 05 OS r- 05 !>• TT^ OS GO' f~i oo^os^io. «> -S oo" tin" us' cT "o O ■* U3 to Q -^'CD to '— ' O to CO o (» CO o to 00 « ■*„ •* co^ to pii 03"os'rirco o 0*5 00 «:) to Q ■* IS r- r-l . r- 00 00 Rr CO i^q O t-* CO j3, U3.0 CO •*, Ez! "^ CO lo '— O *— 00 rfi 'O Q liO CO O "-I »— 1 TJ1 — • o o co_ o ob" t- cp 00__'-i .-I o en ■* t-Too CO (M U3 CO to t^ I— t I— I CO_^Tf oo'co" CO lO o to to" CO o 0— "t-xs-^os « t~ « oo_oo "s, 05_ »":.■* Si e»1 rt"t-ri>rr-rooi>rci"or(M i-iiO eo 00 I-H « TO ot- to OS O l-H OS ■* CO CO ^A (N 00 CO-* TO_.-I *-• TO o" »— 1 US rH ^«o_ «__ oT »^ TO U3 TO oo" us" oT co" 00 eo' oo" t-icq0<0>-l l-H (M TO nH TO TO 00 00 -.« CO lO TO 04 i-H^OO rH CO TO CO ■* •* TO rM O CO 'O OS (N •* 05 o ft St . O eg us TO TO Apparel Cotton piece-goods .. ,. Sarongs Fish .. Grains, wheat, &c. Rice .. Opium, Benares Provisions .. Sugar.. .. ,. ., Tobacco Spirits Specie Other goods . . . . . . Total uS-hO«500>0 OS O CO TO osi~ *- o ."1 rH to" CO 00 os" TO 00 OS OS oj II J<>001*-0010 *^ -r o^TO'cT.-i oeTccT^D TO«0-*TO0 TO « OS U5 CO ?l CO US eq os^>o UJ CO CO CO CO of US TO IN o . us ^^ ^11 — i>y lying, roughly speaking, between Luang Prabang and the point where the Mekong resumes a northerly course, was, in accordance with our previous conversation, to form the " buffer." From this region, according to the terms of the ultimatum, the Siamese troops, police, and authorities were to retire within a month. What administration was to replace them? This, I said, was a question which very much interested us from every point of view, for it would be very inconvenient that that part of the world should be allowed to fall into anarchy, should our negotiations be prolonged. M. Develle replied that, of course, the French had not yet considered at what moment they would send either troops or civil servants to so great a distance, and he L5913 Q 114 implied that things for the present would he allowed to remain pretty nmch as they are. The country was sparsely inhabited, he said, and he did not anticipate any disturbances. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFEEIN and AVA. No. 259. Tlie Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, August 2, 1893. I EECEIVED yesterday morning your Excellency's despatch of the 31st ultimo, reporting what had passed at your interview in the morning with M. Deveile in regard to the question of establishing a neutral zone between the British and French possessions in the region of the Upper Mekong. I have to state that Her Majesty's Government entirely approve your language on this occasion, and the terms of the Protocol which was then signed by your Excellency and M. Deveile for carrying this arrangement into effect. I should be glad, however, to receive from your Excellency a further expressioii of opinion on the point whether it is better to p(i^tpone the discussion of the detailed frontiers or not. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBEEY. No. 260. Foreign Office to Borneo Company.* Sir, Foreign Office, August 2, 1893. I .A.M directed by the Earl of Eosebery io acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, inquiring what effect the blockade of the coast of Siam will have on your vessels loading in Siamese waters. I am to state, in reply, that an answer to your communication has been delayed while inquiries were being made as to the nature and conditions of the blockade, and that his Lordship has now the satisfaction of informing you that, in consequence of the acceptance by Siam of the French conditions, the blockade of the Siamese coast will not be put in operation. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 261. Foreign Office to Borneo Company. Sir, Foreign Office, August 2, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo reporting the detention of the Company's vessel "Savoia" atJCoh-si- chang, and requesting the support of Her Majesty's Government in any claim which may be hereafter put forward on account of the loss which the proceedings of the French authorities in this matter have inflicted on the Company. I am to say, in reply, that this matter will receive careful consideration as soon as detailed information on the subject is received. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SAOT)EESON. Similar letters were sent to the Arracan Company, Messrs "Wallace, .Messrs. Glover, and Messrs, Samuel. 116 No. 262. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 3.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, August 3, 1893,, IT is stated by French Government that M. Pavie who was at Koh-si-chan? could not have received the final instructions to raise blockade till last night. The ratifications of the final arrangements had then to be exchanged by him at Bangkok with the Govern- ment of Siam. French Government feel sure that there can have been no misunderstanding, and that the raising of the blockade has been carried out by now. No. 263. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 8.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 3, 1893. UP to 11 o'clock this morning no notification has reached us from the French Admiral that the blockade of the Siamese coasts by the French Admiral has been raised. Arrangements have been made for forwarding the mails here. No. 264. Baron d'Estournelles to the Earl of Rosebery. ^—(Received August 4.) M. le Comte, Londres, le 4 Aout, 1893. JE m'empresse de faire savoir a voti'e Seigneurie, conform^ment aux instructions de M. le Ministre des Affaires Etrangferes^ que le Gouvernement Siamois ayant accepte sans restrictions ni reserves les conditions de I'ultimatum que le Gouvernement de la Eepublique avait du lui adresser le 20 Juillet et ayant adher^ en outre aux demandes de garantie formul^es dans la note de M. Develle, en date du 30, des ordres viennent d'etre envoyes pour qu'il soit proced6 a la levee du blocus concurremraent avec I'occupation du port de Chantaboon qui doit nous gtre remis et etre detenu par uous jusqu'a I'execution complete des clauses de I'ultimatum. M. Pavie k ete autorise a rentrer a Bangkok. "VguiIIgz &c (Sign6) ' D'ESTOURNELLES DE CONSTANT. (Translation.) My Lord, London, August 3, 1893. I HASTEN to inform your Excellency, in accordance with instructions from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the Siamese Government having accepted without restrictions and without reserve the conditions of the ultimatum which the Government of the Eepublic had to address to them on the 20th July, and having, moreover, agreed to furnish the guarantees demanded in M. Develle's note of the 30th, orders have just been sent to raise the blockade simultaneously with the occupation of the port of Chantaboon, which is to be handed over to us and retained by us until the complete execution of the clauses of the ultimatum. M. Pavie has been authorized to return to Bangkok. I have, &c. (Signed) D'ESTOURNELLES DE CONSTANT. [591] Q 2 116 No. 265. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received August 4.) Sir^ Admiralty, August 4, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the copy of a telegram, dated the 4th August, from Bangkok. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN ' MACGREGOR. V Inclosure in No. 265. The Captain of Her Majesty's ship "Linnet" to Admiralty. (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 4, 1893. BLOCKADE raised, dated 3rd August. No. 266. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 4.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 4, 1893. THE French Admiral has notified that the blockade of the coasts of Siam was raised yesterday at noon at all points. No. 267. Foreign Office to Colonial Office. Sir, Foreign Office, August 4, 1893; I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, forwarding a communication from the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, in which attention is drawn to the injury caused to the trade of Singapore by the present differences between France and Siam, Lord Rosebery would suggest that Sir C. Smith should be instructed to inform the Chamber that their representations on this subject will be borne in mind, and that Her Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of the British interests involved. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 268. The Marquis of Dufferiy, to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received Augus 5 ,) My Lord, , Paris, August 4, 1893, WITH reference to my despatch of the 28th ultimo, I have the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship copy of a note which 1 have received from the French Minister for Foreign Affairs in which his Excellency points out that the discrepancy in the dates given at Bangkok and Paris for the commencement of the blockade can only be attributed to an error in the interpretation of the orders given by the Minister of Marine. In reply to my suggestion that the notification of a blockade without any declara- tion of war might raise a serious question of international law, M. Develle cites various instances of alleged pacific blockades in support of the French action in the present instance. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. 117 Inclosure in No. 268. M. DevelU to the Marquis of Duferin. M. I'Ambassadeur, Paris, le 3 Aout, 1893. EN me faisant connaltre, par sa lettre du 28 Juillet dernier, que le Secretaire d'Etat des Affaires Etrang^res de Sa Majesty avait re^u, du Repr^sentant Britannique a Bangkok, un t(516gramme I'avisant, qu'aux termes d'une notification du Com- mandant Frangais, le blocus des c6tes Siamoises avait commence le 26 Juillet a, 5 heures du soir, votre Excellence a fait observer que I'information dont il s'agit ne concordait pas avec les declarations que j'avais eu I'occasion de lui faire au sujet de retablissement du blocus. Ainsi que votre Excellence en a ete inform^e verbalement le m^me jour, cet incident ne peut etre attribu^ qu'a une erreur d'interpr^tation des ordres donnas par le Ministre de la Marine, et des instructions destinies \ faire disparaltj-e ce malentendu ont ete envoy^es, sans retard, par le tei^graphe, au Commandant du '"' Forfait." Par la m^me communication, votre Excellence signale k mon attention I'impres- sion causae en Angleterre par I'etablissoment du blocus, en exprimant le desir d'obtenir des renseignements plus precis sur le caract^re de cette mesure, dont I'application, sans aucune declaration de guerre, soul^ve une importante question de droit international. Bien que, en raison de la lev^e prochaine du blocus, la question n'ait plus d'inter^t pratique, je crois devoir faire remarquer a votre Excellence que la mesure dont il s'agit constitue, en realite, un moyen de contrainte auquel un fitat est f onde a recourir, sans rompre la paix, pour rappeler une autre Puissance a I'observation de ses devoirs intemationaux. La Prance, I'Angleterre, et la Kussie y ont eu, une premiere fois, recours ee 1827, pendant I'insurrection de la Gr^ce. Divers autres blocus pacifiques ont eu lieu depuis lors. On peut citer notamment le blocus du Tage par la Prance en 1831 ; celui des c6tes de la Nouvelle-Grenade par I'Angleterre en 1836 ; celui des ports du Mexique par la Prance en 1838 ; en 1838 et 1840, en 1845 et ] 848, ceux de Buenos-Ayres par la Prance seule d'abord, et ensuite par la Prance et I'Angleterre. Enfin, pour prendre un exemple plus recent, le Commandant des Forces Navales Britanniques au Cap de Bonne-Esperance et a la C6te Occidentale d'Afrique a, en 1876, dans des circonstances offrant une grande analogic avec la situation actuelle, etabli sur la c6te du Dahomey un blocus dont la durde s'est prolongee pendant plusieurs mois. La Prance, a son tour, a I'occasion des difl&cultes survenues avec la Chine, en 1884, a recouru au blocus pacifique d.es c6tes de Chine et le Gouvernement Britannique, a cette epoque, tout en formulant des reserves sur les effets que pouvait entralner la mesure dont il s'agit au regard des Puissances tierces et de leurs ressortissants, n'a pas conteste, en principe, le droit reclame par le Gouvernement Fran9ais. Agreez, &c. (Signe) JULES DEVELLE. (Translation.) M. I'Ambassadeur, Paris, August 3, 1893. IN your Excellency's note of the 28th July last, informing me that Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had received a telegram from the British Eepresentative at Bangkok reporting that, according to the terms of a Notification by the French Commander, the blockade of the Siamese coasts had begun on the 2bth July at 5 o'clock in the evening, you drew attention to the fact that the report in question did not coincide with the declarations which 1 had occasion to make to your Excellency on the subject of the establishment of the blockade. As your Excellency was verbally informed on the same day, this incident can only be attributed to an error in the interpretation of the orders given by the Minister of Marine, and telegraphic instructions were at once sent to the Commander of the " Forfait " with a view to dispelling this misunderstanding. In the same communication, your Excellency called my attention to the impression produced in England by the establishment of the blockade, and you expressed the desire to obtain more detailed information as to the character of this measure, of which the apnlication, without any declaration of war, raised an important question of international law. Although, from the fact that the blockade is shortly about to be raised, the question lis has no longer any practical intere&t, I feel bound to point out to your Excellency that the measure in question is actuially one to which a State is entitled to have recourse without a breach of peace, as a means of bringing pressure to bear on another Power in order to recall that Power to the observance of her international obligations. It was resorted to by France, England, and Russia for the first time in 1827, during the Greek insurrection. Yarlous other pacific blockades have taken place since then; notably that of the Tagus by France in 1831 ; that of the coasts of I^few Grenada by England in 1836; that of the Mexican ports by France in 1838; in 1838 and 1840, in 184.') and IS48, the blockades of Buenos Ayres first by France alone, and afterwards by France and England. Finally, to take a more recent example, in 1876 the officer in command of the British l^aval Forces at the Cape of Good Hope and on the East Coast of Africa instituted, under conditions which present great analogy with the present situation, a blockade of the coast of Dahomey which was prolonged during several months. France, in her turn, on the occasion of difficulties which had arisen with China in 1884, resorted to a pacific blockade of the Chinese coasts, and at that time the British Government, thoiigh they made reservations as to the results which might be caused by this measure, in so far as they affected third Powers or their dependents, did not, in principle, contest the right claimed by France. I have, &c. (S^ned) JULES DEVELLE. No. 269. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, August 5, 1893. I HA YE received your Excellency's despatch of the 25th ultimo, relative to the statement made in M. Develle's speech in the Chamber that you had formally announced to him, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, that Great Britain had no intention of intervening in the frontier question which had arisen between France and Si4.m. I am glad that your Excellency should have taken an opportunity of explaining to M. DeveUe that this was a misapprehension of what had been said by you. I noticed in the same speech a statement that as early as the 9th March I. bad spontaneously informed M. Waddington that I had received a visit from the Siamese Minister, who complained of the encroachments of France on the Mekong, but that I had replied that the matter did not concern me. I find on reference to my notes a record of a conversation with M. Waddington at this Office on the previous day, which is no doubt that alluded to. An account of it is also given in my despatch to your Excellency of the same day. But in neither is there any allusion to any statement of the kind. As M. AV^addington reported the fact in a despatch, I have no doubt that some observation on the subject was made by me. The question between France and Siam, as far as I was aware of it at the time, was one merely of conflicting claims to portions of territory inhabited by wild tribes, and lying to the east of the middle course of the Mekong. I did not consider that in its then position it was one in which Her Majesty's Government were called upon to intervene, and I probably made some observation to that effect, with the object of showing that there was no foundation for the. rumours current in the French press that Her Majesty's Government were inciting the Siamese Government to oppose the French contentions. But that my remarks did not go beyond this is to my mind sufficiently demonstrated by the fact that I made no record of them either in my private notes or in the official despatch giving an account of the conversation. I have no doubt that I expressed myself to your Excellency in the same sense. It is not necessary to observe that the French pretensions as since revealed had not at that time been advanced in any practical shape, but I certainly had it in my mind that the Siamese should be recommended to abstain from a resistance on which the French might ground larger claims than they as yet had sought to assert. The report of M. Develle's speech given in the " Times " of the 19th July, which describes me as calling upon M. Waddington for the purpose of making a communication on the subject is of course entirely inaccurate, but I notice that no such statement is made in the verbatim record of the speech published in the " Journal Officiel." To make this difference perfectly clear I tubjoin both passages : what M. DeveUe really said, and what he was represented in the English press to have said. 119 The " Times " version is as follows : — "As long ago as the 9th March Lord Eosehery came spontaneously to say to M. Waddington that the night before he had received a visit from the Siamese Minister in London, complaining of the encroachments of the French on the Mekong, and that he told him he had nothing to do witli the affair." The actual words were the following : — " D6s le 9 Mars dernier Lord Rosehery a spontan^ment declare a M, "Waddington qu'il avait re9U la veille la visite du Ministrc de Siam a Londres, qui se plaignait des empietements de la France sur le Mekong, et qu'il lui avait r^pondu qu'il n'avait pas a s'occuper de cette affaire." I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBEET. No. 270. The Earl of Rosehery to Baron d'Estournelles. M. le Charg^ d' Affaires, Foreign Office, August 5, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 3rd instant, announcing that directions have been given by your Government for raising the blockade of the coast of Siara and for the return of the French Minister to Bangkok. (Signed) ' EOSEBBRY. No. 271. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery, — (Received August 6, 10*35 P.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August, 6, 189b, 10.10 p.m. M. PAVIE asks that a salute may be fired on his return to the French Legation here. The Siamese Government have replied that the forts at Paknam will salute, but that no salutes have been fired at Bangkok for many years past. If M. Pavie accepts this arrangement he will come back on the 7th instant. Notes have been exchanged by which the acceptance of the French terms is ratified. The town of Chantaboon, and the fort at the mouth of the river, are to be occupied by a regiment of Annamite soldiers. No. 272. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosehery. — (Received August 7.) (Extract.) Paris, August 5, 1893. IN reply to the question addressed to me in the last paragraph of your Lordship's despatch of the 2nd August as to whether it is better to postpone the discussion of the detailed frontiers or not, I have to state that in my opinion the French Govern- ment would absolutely refuse to renew negotiations at present, or until after the elections. The President has left Paris, and M. Develle will be leaving to-morrow. Under these circumstances I do not think it would be desirable to press them on the point ; nor do I think that the delay will militate against a satisfactory settlement. No. 273. ' Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery. — (Received August 11.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 11, 1893. M. PAVIE was received by Prince Derawongse on the 9th instant in the course of the afternoon. He mentioned that the French Government do not propose to occupy the town of 120 Chanlaboon, but will be satisfied with holding the forts at the mouth of the river with a company of Annamite soldiers. N . , , i. . . He is waiting for instructions from Paris on other matters which he has not yet received. No. 274. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery.— {Received August 13.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkoh, August 13, 1893 M. MYEE DE VILEES is expected to arrive here shortly as French Mmister. He is a Deputy and was formerly Governor of French Indo-China. Cambodian troops are being concentrated at Pursat, and the Siamese Grovemor refuses to withdraw his men in consequence of this demonstration, which is regarded as a menace. No. 275. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 15.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 15, 1893. M. DEVELLE states in the conversation reported m Mr. Phipps despatch of the 13th July, that M. Grosgurin was murdered in cold blood and in his bed, and that the Siathese had admitted this to be the case. The Siamese have full and positive proof to the contrary, and it is absolutely untrue that they ever acknowledged the truth of such assertions. No. 276, Mr. Phipps to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received August 17.) (Extract.) Paris, August 15, 1893. WITH reference to Captain Jones' telegram of the 13th instant, I took an opportunity of mentioning this afternoon to M. Develle the reports current at Bangkok as to a concentration of Cambodian troops at Pursat, and the effect produced on the Siamese Governor, adding that the very satisfactory assurances which his Excellency had made to me a week ago had been convoyed to Her Majesty's Government. M. Develle said that M. de Lanessan had about seven or eight days ago enjoined on King Norodon the necessity of disbanding the Cambodian levies and submitting to the distinct will of the French Government, and his Excellency said that he bad not the slightest apprehension that M. de Lanessan's injunctions would be in any respect disobeyed. No. 277. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 18, 1893. I HAVE received your telegram of the 13th instant, respecting the concen- tration of a Cambodian force at Pursat, on the Siamese frontier. The whole question between France and Siam might be reopened if a collision took place between the Siamese and Cambodian forces, but Her Majesty's Government have received a-^burances from Paris that the Cambodians have been urged to withdraw their troops from the above-mentioned place. 121 No. 278. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 20, 9 A.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 20, 1893. THE King gives audience to M. Le Myre de Vilers to-day. The French Minister for Toreign Affairs has assured the Siamese Minister at Paris that M. Le Myre de Vilers' instructions relate solely to execution of terms of ultimatum. No. 279. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received August 21.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 17, 1893. I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship the following details in connection with the passage of the bar at the mouth of the River Menam on the 13th instant by the Trench gun-boats "Inconstant" and "Comete" in face of a heavy fire from the Siamese forts and ships, and the obstacles with which the channel had been obstructed. * The accompanying correspondence — printed by authority — will show that the Siamese Government had good reason to believe that these gun-boats would not enter the river, seeing that the reason alleged for doing so — that several British ships of war were already at Bangkok — was shown to be groundless, there being but one British gun- boat in the river at the time. The French Minister here, M. Pavie, had already agreed to send beforehand an officer of the " Lutin," the gun-boat attached to the French Legation, with orders to await,, outside the bar, the arrival of the " Inconstant," and to communicate to its Commander the details of the course agreed upon by the French and Siamese Ministers. This officer was seen from Her Majesty's ship " Pallas " to reach the " Inconstant " in good time — about 5 p.m. — and no doubt duly delivered to the Commander the message with which he was charged ; but even before his arrival the Captain of the " Pallas," who knew of the proposed arrangement, had sent one of his officers to the " Inconstant " at once on her arrival to inform her Commander that a messenger was on his way from Bangkok with instructions for him to remain outside the bar, so that there can be no doubt that he was well aware of the altered arrangements. A small French cargo-boat, called "J. B. Say," which plies regularly between Saigon and this port, happened to arrive at the bar at the same time as the "Inconstant," and as her master is well acquainted with the navigation of the river, he was compelled to act as pilot on board the "Inconstant." It was now approaching dusk, the tide was rapidly rising, and some trading-vessels were passing through the channel to the south. As soon as they had cleared it the Commander of the " Inconstant " gave the signal to enter, the " J. B. Say " (which had already provided itself with a local pilot) leading the way. A heavy thunder-cloud with torrential rain helped to conceal the vessels from the batteries, and as soon as they were abreast of the outer fort the "Inconstant" steamed ahead, going on the flood tide at the rate of 12 knots, and exchanged shots with the forts and Siamese ships which had begun to take part in the engagement. The firing on both sides seems to have been of the wildest, as comparatively few casualties happened to ships or men. The French have lost three men killed and the same number wounded ; the Siamese return fifteen killed (solely by the machine-guns in the tops) and about twenty wounded. The "J. B. Say" was struck by a shot after leaving the channel, and foundered shortly after. The ships were under fire altogether about twenty-five minutes. The intelligence that the French ships had succeeded in forcing their way had scarcely reached Bangkok before the vessels themselves arrived and anchored near to the French Legation. The Siamese fleet followed closely after, intending to bring them to action in the river, but fortunately orders arrived from the King to abstain from attack, and the night was passed by both parties in making preparations for the morrow. As those charged with the defence of the river had repeatedly assured the King that the passage of the bar had been rendered absolutely impracticable by the measures taken — sinking of ships, torpedoes, &c. — the news of the French success fell on the Court like a thunder-clap, as no preparations had been made in case of insuccess but [591] R 122 verything was at once done by the King's commands to secure and maintain order, and although great excitement and alarm prevailed among the European merchants — caused chiefly by the menacing conduct and hostile demonstrations of the French ships during the night — yet nothing happened to provoke riot or revolution, and tranqiullity has continued to prevail to the present time. All danger was to be feared from the King putting into execution his original reso- lution of abandoning his capital and retreating into the interior, taking with him his troops, Court, and chief functionaries, under which circumstances anarchy would follow at once, and the whole city be abandoned to the criminal classes and their work of fire and ' plunder. Happily, also, nothing has occurred from stoppage of trade, &c., to force the principal traders to close their rice or teak mills up to the present time, which would have thrown out of work many thousands of Chinese coolies, the most turbulent and reckless class of the population. The arrival of Her Majesty's ship " Linnet " early on the 14th instant tended most materially to reassure those who feared immediate riot and destruction. The presence of a Dutch gun-boat also went far to restore conMence. In spite of much that has been said, there is no reason to believe that local trade has sensibly suiFered from the political tension of the last four months. Indirectly it may have been affected by the withdrawal from thejf usual occupations of many thousands of the labouring classes, drafted into the army or marine. Many causes have been assigned by the chief actors themselves to explain away their failure in preventing the French vessels passing the bar — the approaching dusk, hastened by the sudden thunderstorm, obscured the view of the vessels from the forts ; the obstacles in the chaimel were insufficient to impede their progress, and of the two torpedoes fired, one exploded too soon and the other too late. The oflBcer in charge of the defence wished to close the channel effectually and altogether on the morning of the 13th, but in view of the generally favourable and reassuring political prospects at that moment, and the expected anival of the Austrian Crown Prince, his advice was overruled in the King's Council. I ll3iV6 Sec (Signed) ' HENEY M. JONES. Inclosure 1 in No. 279, The " Bangkok Times " Express of July 16, 1893. AS the result of communications between His Majesty's Government and Commander Borrey, of the " Inconstant " — Senior Officer of the three French gun-boats now lying in the river — no act of hostility will be committed on either side. The French have agreed to abstain from all attack upon the city or the population, while the Siamese, on their side, have engaged to treat .the newly-arrived French vessels in the same way as the gun-boats of other Powers now lying in Bangkok waters. A telegram from Paris, received here at midnight on Saturday, gives confirmation of the above agreement. Commander Borrey has emphatically repudiated any intention of opening fire upon an undefended city, as being contrary to the usages both of civilization and warfare. Up to the present moment, it is not intended to block the entrance to the Menam. The French cruizer " Forfait " and the English cruizer " Pallas " are both at anchor below the bar. We would urge the population to pay no attention to the irresponsible rumours promulgated in the bazaars, of this class being the mischievous statement published as to the sinking at Bangko'lem of His Siamese Majesty's ship " Monkut Eajakumar," now anchored in a practically uninjured condition opposite the Arsenal. Inclosure 2 in No. 279. Extract from the "Bangkok Times" of July 15, 1893. Official Correspondence- between Siamese Minister for Foreign A fairs and French Minister Resident regarding the bringing of two additional. French Gun-boats to Bangkok. A DEPLORABLE conflict occurred on Thursday evening at Paknam, which was occasioned by the forced entrance into the Menam of two French gun-boats, and not- 123 withstanding the opposition of the Siamese Government duly notified to them. We are enabled to give herewith a reproduction of official documents showing that this untoward event was due to an unfortunate misunderstanding which could have been avoided if the French men-of-war had consented to wait one or two days longer for further instructions. The net result of their failure to do so is that of the French sailors three have been killed and two wounded, while on the Siamese side fifteen have been killed and thirty wounded, including a Siamese woman who was shot dead while in a railway carriage by, a French bullet. Without further comment we give the letters and telegrams already referred to above, which will enable the public to form their own opinion as to the responsibilities of either party. (So. 1.) M. Pavie to Prince Devawongse'. M. le Ministre, Bangkok, le IQ Juillet, 1893. J'ai honneur d'informer votre Altesse que j'ai &ii invite par mon Gouvernement k faire connaitre au Gouvernement de Sa Majeste que, le Gouvernement Anglais ayant decide renvoi de plusieurs bAtiments a Siam, en motivant cette mesure sur la situation troubl^e et la n^cessit^ de proteger ses nationaux, le Gouvernement de la R^publique a r^solu pour les memes raisons de suivre cet exemple. Deux batiments de la division navale doivent en consequence rejoindre le " Lutin " a Bangkok. En me chargeant de cette communication M. Develle m'a egalement invite h. pr^ciser qu'il s'agit exclusivement d'une mesure identique aux dispositions dont I'Angleterre et d'autres Puissances ont pris I'initiative. Les deux b&timents mis en route, sont "La Comete" et " I'lnconstant." lis m'ont et^ annonc^s, par I'Amiral, comme devant arriver a la barre le 15 Juillet ; j'ai, par suite, I'honneur de prier votre Altesse/Royale devouloir bien donner les ordres necessaires pour qu'ils soient pourvus de pilotes a leur arriv6e. Veuillez, &c. (Sign6) A. PAVIE. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Bangkok, July 10, 1893. I have the honour to inform your Highness that I have been invited by my Govern- ment to make known to the Government of His Majesty that the English Government having decided to send several ships to Siam, alleging as the motive for this measure the disturbed situation and the necessity of protecting their countrymen, the Government of the Republic have resolved for the same reasons to follow this example. Two ships of the naval division are in consequence ordered to join the " Lutin " at Bangkok. In charging me with this communication, M, Develle has also invited me to state precisely that the action is exclusively of an identical measure with the dispositions which England and other Powers have taken in the initiative. The two ships put en route are the " Comete " and the " Inconstant," and they have been announced to me by the Admiral to arrive at the bar on the 15th July. I have, consequently, the honour to ask your Highness to be kind enough to give the necessary orders for them to be provided with pilots on their arrival. Accept, &c. (Signed) A. PAYIE. (No. 2.) . ^ ,M, Pavie to Prince Itevawongse. M. le Ministre, , . r Bangkok, le \0 Juillet, \%^Z. J'ai I'honneur d'informer votre Altpsse que je viens d'etre ayise de la part de I'Amiral Huqann, que '^'Inconstant " passera la barre le 13 Juillet au soir. , Je la pri?, en consequence, de vculoir bien donner les ordres necessaires, ainsi que je le lui ai demands par ma lettre de ce jour. L'Amiral insiste beaucoup pour que, conform^ment au Traite, ce b^timeni remonle ' ' i;591J R 2 124, k la eapitale, le Gouvernement lui ayant fait connaltre qu'il consid^rait ce fait comme un droit indisputable. Veuillez, &c. (Sigtt6) A. PAVIE. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Bangkok, July 10, 1893. I have the honour to inform your Highness that I have been advised, on the part of Admiral Humann, that the "Inconstant" will pass the bar on the evening of the 13th July. « I ask, consequently, that you will be kind enough to give the necessary orders, as 1 have asked of you in my letter of this date. The Admiral insists strongly, as in conformity with the Treaty, that this ship may go as far as the capital, the Government having made known to him that they considered this as an unquestionable right. Accept, &c. (Signed) A. PAVIE. (No. 3.) Prince Devawongse to M. Pavie. M. le Ministre, Foreign Office, Bangkok, July 10, 1893. By the letter of to-day you inform me that the English Government having decided to send several men-of-war to Siam, alleging, as a motive for this measure, the disturbed, situation and the necessity of protecting their countrymen, the Government of the French Republic has resolved, for the same reasons, to follow the example, and that consequently two ships of the naval division, "La Com^te " and " I'lnconstant," must rejoin the "Lutin" at Bangkok. You add that they are announced by the Admiral as intending to arrive at the bar on the 15th July. In reply, I have the honour to state that His Majesty's Government has not till now received any notification from the English Government of any intention to send ta Bangkok, or even to Paknam or anywhere into the Menam, other men-of-war than the " Swift," which is now anchored before the British Legation in the same condition as the "Lutin '* is anchored before the French Legation. And, as you say that M. Develle invites you to declare precisely that the exclusive object of the intended measure is to act identically in the same way as England and other Powers, the logical conclusion which I infer from this declaration is that, as long as no other Powers will have more than one man-of-war in the Menam, France will not insist on sending other men-of-war besides the " Lutin." Let me add that the first man-of-war that came to Bangkok, among those which are here now, is the "Lutin,'' and it is thus not exact to say that other Powers took the initiative as to such a measure. I need not remind you under what threatening circumstances the " Lutin," which arrived here on the 14th March, and which even, on the 20th March, announced the intention of leaving on the 21st, was on the same day ordered to stay until further instructions, and I think there is a general conviction that, if the " Lutin " left Bangkok, no other foreign man-of-war Avould stay here, and the disturbed situation would be changed into a very quiet one. Accept, &c. (Signed) DEVAWOJJGSE VAEOPRAKAR, Minister for Foreign Affairs, P.S. — This letter was written when I received your note of this evening at half-past 10, whereby you inform me that the " Inconstant " will be at the bar on the evening of the 13th July. I trust that, for the reasons which are set forth above, you will telegraph to the Admiral to show that the fact on which the sending of the ship is founded is erroneous. 1 must also object to an interpretation of the Treaty which would give to any Power an absolute right to send into the territorial waters of Siam, and to the capital of the kingdom, as many war-vessels as they should like. The spirit of the Treaty cannot be that Siam should be deprived of the natural right of any nation to protect itself, and the French Government will easily understant that, under present circumstances, we cannot, without abdicating our right to exist as an independent State, adopt such interpretation. D. V. 125 (No. 4.) M. Pavie to Prince Devawongse. M. le Ministre, Bangkok, le 11 Juillet, 1893. J'ai I'honneur d'accuser ^ votre Altesse la reception de la lettre en date d'hier par laquelle elle rdpond aux deux lettres que je lui ai adress^es le meme jour au sujet des deux batiments Francais en route pour Bangkok. Je n'ai pas manque d'informer mon Gouvernement et I'Amiral des objections faites par le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste a leur entree en riviere. J'ai ^galement fait connaitre que j'insistais auprfes de votre Altesse pour que " rinconstant " en attendant une r^ponsc, moaille k Paknam conformement au Traits. Afin d'^viter toute m^prise je prierai votre Altesse de vouloir blen me recevoir demain a son heure habituelle. Veuillez, &c. (Sign6) A. PAVIE. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Bangkok, July 11, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Highness' letter dated yesterday, in which you replied to the two letters which I addressed to you on the same day, on the subject of the two French ships on their way to Bangkok. I have not failed to inform my Government and the Admiral of the objections made by the Government of His Majesty to their entry into the river. I have equally made known that I have insisted with your Highness that the " Inconstant," whilst waiting a reply, anchors at Paknam comforraably to the Treaty. In order to avoid all mistake 1 shall ask your Highness to be kind enough to receive me to-morrow at your usual hour. Accept, &c. (Signed) A. PAVIE. (No. 5.) Prince Devawongse to M. Pavie. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Foreign Office, Bangkok, July 11, 1893. I am in possession of your note of to-day at 7 o'clock p.m., and will have the honour to receive you to-morrow at 6 o'clock in the afternoon. I feel, however, obliged to state without any delay, and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, that my objections against the " Inconstant " passing the bar are of a general nature, and apply to its anchoring at Paknam as well as its going up to Bangkok. Indeed, as no English ship, besides the " Swift," is staying in or expected to come into any part of the Menam, the main reason which induced your Government to send the " Inconstant " and the " Comete " is failing in the case of Paknam, as well as in that of Bangkok. And the reasonable interpretation which, I think, ought to be given to the Treaty, as not depriving Siam of the essential right of any State to watch over its own safety and independence, is applicable to any part of our territorial waters. Accept, &c. (Signed) DEVAWONGSE VAEOPRAKAR. (No. 6.) Prince Devawongse to M. Pavie. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Foreign Office, Bangkok, July 12, 1893. Ifotwithstanding your insistence, in our interview of to-day, on having the " Inconstant " and the *' Oomfete " admitted to anchor at Paknam, it is my duty to maintain my peremptory objections, which I made in my preceding letter, against their entering the waters of the Menam, and to declare that, under present circumstances, the Government of His Majesty is unable to consent to the presence in this river of more than one war-vessel of any State. All necessary instructions to that effect have been given to our naval and military authorities. 126 As it is understood between us, a steam-launch of our navy will be to-morrow morning at tbe French Legation, to be put at your disposal for meeting the " Inconstant," and transmitting all information which you will judge necessary. Accept, &c. (Signed) DEVAW0:NGSE VAROPRAKAK. (No. 7.) Prince Devawowgse to Prince Vadhana. (Telegraphic.) ; Bangkok, Juty 11, 1S9S, 11-30 a.m. :j< Your telegram J^o. 35 received. The French Minister in Bangkok made another call yesterday evening, gave me two notes. It is announced that as Great Britain have sent gun-boats to protect their subjects, so France, to follow by the initiative, intends to send .two gun-boats more on the 15th July. French Minister in Bangkok informs me by letter that they expect to be well supplied with a pilot and permit to come up to Bangkok according to the Treaty. We are compelled to refuse, as no more than one British gunTboatds in the Meham, and to protest against such interpretation of the Treaty as inconsistent with the integrity and iadependence of Siam. I maintain our right to disallow gnn-boats passage into our territorial water for; menacing purpose. Represent the .matter to ihe Minister for Foreign Affairs, and telegraph me the result. (No. 8.) Prince Vadhana to Prince Devawongse. (Telegraphic.) ' Paris, July 12, 1893, 5-15 p.m. Have informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs according to your telegram of the 11th instant, and the Minister assures me that they have no intention to send gun-boats to Bangkok for menacing purpose, but only to act the same as the British Grovernment would do. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has told me that in consequence of my representation he will telegraph immediately to countermand order with regard to gun- boats, and his Excellency also assures me that France had no intention to send troops or attack Siam in any manner. On the contrary, they had an intention to send some one to Bangkok very soon in view of friendly arrangement, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs said, " I have every hope everything will be arranged satisfactorily very soon." I have written a letter to his Excellency confirming this interview. Let us add some of the indications resulting from a perusal of the official Reports concerning the circumstances of this conflict. It will have been seen from the foregoing correspondence that only one French gun-boat, the " Inconstant," was announced as due to arrive at the bar of the Menam on the evening of the ISth instant. Instead of this, two vessels, the " Inconstant " and the " Com^te," reached there coincidentlyi Mow, it will also have been seen that M. Pavie, the French Minister here, would advise the "Inconstant" of the peremptory' objections that had been made against the retention in the Menam waters of more than one gun-boat from each Power; and that a steam-launch would be put at his disposal to enable him to issue instructions to this effect. The Commandant of the " Inconstant " accordingly received at a quarter to 5 on the afternoon of the 13th a message inviting him to await further information. It appears, however, that, thinking he had to follow the instructions of his Admiral literally, he proceeded, about 5*30 p.m., to enter the river under the direction of the " J. B. Say," which acted as a pilot, and in this capacity took part in the action. The weather at the time was overcast and rainy. Seeing two men-of-war approaching contrary to instructions, the defenders of the fort fired a blank charge and afterwards sent eight or nine shots wide of the approaching vessels so as to afford full warningi After this the firing began in earnest, and was returned spiritedly by the two French ships. The loss sustained by the Siamese may be explained by the fact that the fort offered a good target, being clearly dcscernible through the mist, while the gun-boats; steaming at full speed with a favourable tide, offered only uncertain marks, though they did not escape unscathed. Our old friend the "J. B. Say," who had, as we have said, borne her part in the action, seems to have been the victim of her own daring. She has capsized at the^ entrance to the river, and it is believed — although we have no official verification — that this is the result of a shot. We cannot help reflecting that these 127 misfortaues would not have occurred if, as was first announced by the French Legation, the two gun-boats had not arrived until the 15th, as by that date all French Colonial and N"aval authorities would have been in receipt of the telegraphic instructions promised by the French Minister for Foreign Affairs as a countermand to the order issued regarding this entrance into the Menam. RoTAL Proclamation. The following is a translation of the Siamese manifesto which was placarded all over the city and suburbs yesterday morning : — "By His Majesty's Orders. "When the disputes regarding the frontier between the French possessions and Siam commenced^ the French sent one man-of-war to guard the interests of persons under their jurisdiction. They did this for a long time, and now, alleging that an English man-of-war has come to protect English interests, they have asked that two other men-of-war should be allowed to enter the river for this object. The French Minister in Bangkok- asked for permission that the two boats might enter the river; but it being our opinion that the present time was not opportune to have more than one man-of-war of each nation anchored in the river, we consulted with him, and a telegram was sent to the French Government in Paris, and a reply was received that they would not insist on sending more men-of-war into the river. On his side, the French Minister at this capital agreed that the vessels should be informed of our objections and required not to come up. He asked for a steamer for an officer to go out and inform the vessels of this state of things. The two vessels, however, proceeded up to Paknam at the Chula Chom Klao Fort. The officers in charge fired a blank shot in the usual way. The two* vessels took no notice, but returned the fire, and proceeded up the river and anchored at the French Legation. " There is every reason to hope that a mere misunderstanding has occurred, as the telegram from Paris clearly states that the Foreign Minister would avoid everything calculated to give offence to His Maje&ty the King. Let the people, therefore, not be alarmed, or fear that a state of war will arise in Bangkok. There are now three French men-of-war in the river, and we feel assured that they will not try to take advantage of any harm which they may inflict upon us. We cannot suppose that the 300 men in their boats will undertake to lajid and attack the numerous soldiers who have to defend our populous city. But it appears that the fear of the people is aroused by the fact that they do not know all particulars. Under these circumstances His Majesty has been pleased to order the Local Government Department to take the necessary measures to have private and public property protected against evil characters. His Majesty has himself inspected the troops, and was greatly pleased to notice that all measures have been taken to protect his loyal and honest subjects, Regarding the whole question, conferences still take place between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the French Republic both in Bangkok and in Paris, as may be seen from the diplomatic correspondence relating to this subject. Therefore let all people remain quiet and live in peace among themselves and with those foreigners of all nationalities who are living amongst us under His Majesty's protection." No, 280. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 21.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 20, 1893. IN view of the repeated statements that the French troops are in complete occupation of the territory claimed by them to the east of the Mekong, and that the Siamese have retired altogether to the other side of that river, I beg leave to supply your Lordship with the following details of the military situation in that district, according to the most recent advices received by the Siamese Government from its Chief Commissioner on the Mekong, and forwarded by him to this capital about twelve days since. 128 There are three chief passes through the mountains which bound Annam to the west. These are : — 1. Kam Muen. 2. Ailao. 3. Stung Treng. And five chief rivers which flow from thence to the Mekong'; these on M. Pavie's map are: — 1. 'Nova, (or Se) Hing Boun, latitude 18°. 2. Se Bong Fai, latitude 17°. 3. Se Rang Hiong. 4. Nam Done. 6. Nam Kong. (The words Se or Nam, meaning river, are used indiscriminately.) These passes and rivers offering the only means of communication through this impracticable country, all the military operations have been conducted hitherto entirely in connection with them, and at present the French occupy the following posts to east of Mekong : — On the 1st river Kam Muen, latitude 18* 15', Muang Pin and Muang Pong, latitude 16° 30', and the greater part of the 3rd river. On the other hand, the Siamese continue to hold the whole of the 2nd and 4th rivers, and the important post of Attope on the oth river, and apparently no serious effort has yet been made to dislodge them from any of these. I have &c (Signed) ' HENRY M. JONES. No. 281. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — (Received August 21.) Sir, Admiralty, August 17, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you, for the information of the Secretary of State, copy of a letter, dated the 12th July last, with inclosures, from Captain Angus MacLeod, of Her Majesty's ship " Pallas," reporting the action he had taken in connection with matters in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) C. J. THOMAS {pro Sec). Inclosure I in No. 281. Captain MacLeod to Admiralty. "Pallas," of mouth of Menam River, Bangkok, Sir, July 12, 1893. OWING to the distance from Hakodate and irregularities of opportunities for communication with the IS aval Commander-in-chief in China, I deem it advisable, under the provisions of Article 1890, p. 691, Admiralty Instructions, to submit to you, for the information of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copies of correspondence affecting the present state of affairs existing between France and Siam. I have, &c. (Signed) ANGUS MacLEOD. 129 Inclosure 2 in No. 281. Captain MacLeod to Vice-Admiral Sir E. Fremantle. " Pallas," Bar Anchorage, mouth of Menam Sir, [undated'^. I HAVE the honour to report that at a late hour last night, when at Koh-si-Chang Island in Her Majesty's ship under my command, I received a note from Commander Kirby, of the " Swift," at Bangkok, dated the 11th July, 9 a.m., conveying important news, which I quote for your information. M. Pavie handed a letter to His Eoyal Highness Prince Devawongse at 6 p.m. on the 10th instant, saying that, having heard that several English men-of-war were coming to Bangkok for the protection of British life and property in consequence of its disturbed state, the French intended to do the same by sending the " Inconstant " and "Com^te" to join the " Lutin " at Bangkok, and requesting that pilots might be directed to meet them. At 11 P.M. M. Pavie handed in another letter, saying that Eear-Admiral Humann insisted on the right, according to Treaty, of sending as many ships as he wished up the Bangkok Eiver, and that the " Inconstant " would cross the bar on the evening of the 13th instant. In reply, M. Jacquemyns had stated that only one English man-of-war, the "Swift," was up the river at Bangkok ; that the Siamese had not been informed of any other coming up ; that as the French " Lutin " was at Bangkok some time before the " Swift " arrived, it was hardly correct to assert that the English took the initiative in sending up. Later, on receipt of second letter, M. Jacquemyns added a postscript to the effect that it was monstrous to think that any capital was obliged to receive an unlimited number of foreign men-of-war, and that the Siamese G-overnment protested against any more French ships coming up. M. Jacquemyns told Commander Kirby that orders would be sent to the forts to fire. In view of this intelligence I brought the " Pallas '' over to the bar this morning, and in hopes of being able to even yet assist in averting the collision unfortunately threatening between the French and Siamese forces, I dispatched a letter to the Minister Eesident (copy, triplicate, inclosed) empowering him to refute the vague statements of M. Pavie as to several English men-of-war coming to Bangkok, of which I sincerely hope you will approve. I have, &c. (Signed) ANGUS MacLEOD. Inclosure 3 in 'Ho. 281. Captain MacLeod to Captain Jones. (Extract.) "Pallas," of mouth of Menam River, July 12, 1893. HAYING heard from Commander Kirby, at a late hour last night, that matters at issue between the Siamese and French reached an acute stage on the 10th instant owing to certain demands made by the latter as to sending more men-of-war up the river, I have deemed it wise to come over to this anchorage, in Her Majesty's ship under my command, for convenience of communication with you, as well as to watch carefully the further development of the question that has been raised. I understand that considerable stress has been laid by the French Minister upon what he is pleased to call "the English initiative" in sending more ships for the protection of British interests, and that he talked of " several vessels coming." If M. Pavie felt at all puzzled or perplexed by floating reports he might well have satisfied himself by asking me one direct question at our pleasant interview on the 6th instant. As a diplomatic oSicial of great experience, none can know better than he how little reliance is to be placed in rumours and newspaper assertions. None should know better how often assumptions are falsified by facts. However, I trust I am not too late to remove erroneous impressions, and I would first of all point out that, as Senior Naval Officer of the Straits of Malacca Division, I am responsible to my Commander-in-chief for a general supervision of a large portion of the South China Seas, including Siara, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Malay Peninsula. |_591] S 130 This may well account, I think, for the short visit of the " Pallas " off the mouth of the Menam and to Koh- si-Chang early in June, and, upon hearing the serious news of the partial closing of the river, a similar visit now. As " eyes to the Admiral," it is my duty to keep him well informed, and there are times when that duty can only be carried out in person. The " Swift " was only sent to Bangkok after the " Lutin " had been there some weeks, and then because, rightly or wrongly, there was an uneasy apprehensive feeling abroad that rendered precautions necessary to guard against any rioting that might possibly take place in the event of trouble between Siam and France. Upon hearing of the partial closing of the river, and the deductions naturally following such a step, it has seemed prudent to have a second British man-of-war near enough to, but outside of, the Menam, ready for an emergency such as would possibly occur if, unfortunately, hostilities broke out. For this service the "Plover" gun-boat was detailed by our Admiral, but, owing to her being damaged in collision, the ''Linnet" has been substituted (a gun- vessel), and I expect her in the course of a couple of days. It was my intention to get the " Swift " out, and then send the " Linnet " in, so that the former might have a good sea cruize, but beyond asking permission for the entrance of the second ship " in case of actual necessity," absolutely no steps have been taken that can form a precedent to M. Pa vie or to Admiral Humann for the most serious action they are credited with having in contemplation. I may tell you that, so satisfied was I with the due precautions established, and so impressed with the hope that all was tending to a satisfactory solution of the Franco- Siamese question, that I had arranged for my own return to Singapore after seeing the " Swift " and "Linnet" change take place, and oven proposed to our Admiral to remove the " Swift" altogether, and replace her with a smaller vessel. Although unusual to publish the movements of ships of the squadron, you are at liberty to use any of the information I have given you as best calculated to allay any misapprehensions and misunderstandings that mere surmises may have brought about. No. 282. The Earl of Rosehery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 21, 1893, 5-30 P.M. I SHOULD be glad to learn whether any foreign gun-boats are now at Bangkok, and whether Her Majesty's ship " Linnet " is still there. No. 283. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery. — (Received August 21, 9*30 P.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 21, 1893, 7*10 p.m. THE King of Siam gave audience yesterday to the French Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. The usual complimentary formalities Avere exchano-ed. In the correspondence which took place previous to the interview the French Envoy asserted that his instructions compelled him to refuse all intervention of any foreign adviser, and forbade him to discuss matters with any but the King or His Majesty's Minister. No. 284. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosehery. — {Received August 21, 11 P.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 21, 1893, 9-50 p.m. APPAEENTLT the French Minister here spoke on his own authority when he asserted that French troops would not occupy the town of Chantaboon. Intelligence has just arrived of its military occupation. Orders to this effect were given from the Governor- General of Cochin China. All knowledge of this proceeding is denied by the French Plenipotentiary. 131 S"o. 285. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 22, 9*30 a.m.) ( Felegraphic.) Bangkok, August 22, 1893, 12-35 A.M. THE German vessel "Wolff" and French ship "Aloueite" are now the only foreign war-vessels in the Menam. The " Linnet " left for Hong Kong on the l7th instant. No. 286. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 22, 3893, 2*15 P.M. I HAVE received your telegram ot the 22nd instant, stating that Her Majesty's ship " Linnet " had left Bangkok. The intended departure of this vessel should have been notified to this Department or to the Admiralty. Is any other British gun-boat expected to replace the " Linnet," and do you consider that the presence of one is needed ? You should report all arrivals and departures of ships of war at Bangkok. ¥o. 287. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 23.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok^ August 23, 1893. M. LE MYRE DE VILERS' negotiations are proceeding smoothly, and I have not heard of any difficulties arising. The only question on which some misunderstanding may have occurred was with regard to the occupation of the town of Chantaboon by Annamite troops, but this was soon settled. Her Majesty's ship " Linnet " was ordered to Hong Kong on the 16th instant. I do not expect that another gun-boat will be sent to replace her, and at present there seems no need for the presence of a British man-of-war. No. 288. Foreign Office to Admiralty. S.r, Foreign Office, August 23, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to state,, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that be considers it important that at least one British vessel of war should be stationed in Siamese waters while the negotiations between France and Siam are proceeding. His Lordship would therefore be glad if the Lords Commissioners would give the requisite orders for replacing the " Linnet " with as little delay as possible. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON, No. 289. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received August 24, 6*30 p.m.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 24, 1893, 2-50 p.m. AT the first meeting of the Plenipotentiaries of France and Siam Articles were proposed for the new Treaty of Peace and Friendship, of which the following is the tenour : — 1, G-overnment of Siam recognize rights of sovereignty of Annam and Cambodia over the islands in the Mekong and all the territories on left bank of the river. 2. Police of the Mekong Eiver and of Great Lake belongs to French Government, and on these waterways the Siamese Government renounces the right to keep any ai'med boats or vessels. [691] S 2 132 8. No fortified post or military establishment shall be constructed by the Siamese Government within a radius of 25 kilom. on the right bank of the River Mekong or in the Provinces of Angkor and Battambang ; within these limits all such will be destroyed, 4. Nothing as regards the actual native administration will be changed in these reserved zones. The local authorities there will maintain no regular or irregular force, but the police will be under their direction. 5. In the zones above specified no customs will be established, nor will any taxes be levied on imports or exports. 6. On the right bank of the Mekong the French Government may construct dep6ts of wood and coal, and any works necessary to navigation. 7. 8, and 9. These relate to Consular and passport matters, and were not read. 10. Those under French protection and French subjects registered in Consulate are all under French jurisdiction. 11. French text will be alone valid. These Articles are all, it will be noticed, in excess of terms accepted in the ultimatum. No. 290. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received August 25.) Sir, Admiralty, August 24:, 1893. IN reply to your letter of the 23rd instant, relative to the importance of a British vessel of war being stationed in Siamese waters while the negotiations between France and Siam are proeeeding, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admi- ralty to request that you will inform the Earl of Rosebery that a telegram has this day been sent to the Senior Naval Officer at Singapore, directing the " Linnet " to be replaced there as soon as possible, and that he should inform the Admiral, and report. I am, &c. (Signed) R. D. AWBRT. No. 291. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 25, 10'30 A.M.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, August 25, 1893. IN the conference this morning the French. Plenipotentiary altogether changed his former manner. He insisted on acceptance in principle of all the additional con- ditions referred to in my telegram of the 24:th instant, and hinted that otherwise matters might change for the worse, as France has now four war-ships in the Gulf of Siam. A few more advantages for French colonials, he added, would be asked for, in return for which France would grant two favours, which were not, however, specified. The expulsion of all " Danish mercenaries " from Siam as also required. No. 292. The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 25, 1893. WITH reference to your telegram of the 23rd instant, I have to inform you that the naval authorities at Singapore have been instructed to send another vessel to Bangkok as soon as possible to replace Her Majesty's ship ''Linnet." No. 293. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received August 26.) Sir, Admiralty, August 25, 1893. WITH reference to my letter of yesterday's date, respecting the " Linnet " being replaced in Siamese waters as soon as possible, I am commanded by my Lords Coramis- 133 sioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State, , that they have this day received a teilegram from the Senior IS'aval Officer at Singappre stating that the " Swift," from Penang, complies with the order. I am, &c. (Signed) R. D. AWDRY. No. 294. . Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received August 28.) My Lord, Bangkok, July 25, 1S93. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship the accompanying copies of correspondence which has recently passed between the French Minister here and the Siamese Government on the matter of the French ultimatum and its reception by the latter, which the Eepresentative of the French Republic affects to regard as a refusal of its demands, and accordingly notifies the immediate withdrawal of the French Legation from Bangkok, and begs that pilots may be supplied to take the three French gun-boats which are now at Bangkok over the bar of the river. I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY M. JONES. Inclosure 1 in No. 294. Prince Devawongse to M. Pavie. (Translation.) M, le Ministre, Bangkok, July 22, 1893. IN reply to communication which by order of your Government you handed to me on Thursday, the 20th instant, at a quarter to 7 o'clock in the evening, I am instructed by His Majesty the King, my august Master, to make the following declaration : — 1. His Majesty regrets that no distinct definition was ever given to him of what he is to understand by the '" rights " of the Empire of Annam and of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the left bank of the Mekong and on the islands. He always was prepared to abandon any territory to which such rights should be proved, and already five months ago he proposed to defer any contested points to international arbitration. Now, however, he submits to the pressure of circumstances, and, in order to restore peace to his people and security to the numerous trading interests engaged in this country, he consents that, in the delimitation of frontier between Siam and Annam or Cambodia, the whole territory on the left bank of the Mekong situated south of a line drawn from the most northern Siamese military post recently occupied by Franco-Annamite troops to a point situated at the same latitude, say IS degree of northern latitude on the left bank of the Mekong, will be considered as Annamite or Cambodian territory, the river below this point being made the dividing line between the neighbouring States until it enters the territory of Cambodia, the use of the islands for navigation purposes being common to the three bordering States. 2. The Siamese military posts still existing in the aforesaid territory will be evacuated within one month. 3. His Majesty sincerely deplores the losses of lives which, on both sides, were the consequences of the incidents of Thung Xieng Khan, of Khammian (Kengchek), and ot the fatal collision which occurred at the entrance of the Menam. The Bang-bien will be released, and other satisfaction will be given if necessary, as far as they are compatible with ordinary justice and with the independence of the Siamese Government, which the French Government has declared it will respect. 4. The persons found guilty of individual aggression, contrary to national or inter- national law, against French subjects will be condignly punished, and any pecuniary reparations due will be given to the families of the victims. 6. A long correspondence was exchanged bftween us relating to certain claims made by French subjects for damages which they allege to have suffered by the fault of Siamese officials. I contended, in the name of the Siamese Government, that no damages were due because we considered there was no fault on the part of the Siamese officials. Now His Majesty, guided by the same consideration as aforesaid, consents not to insist on the question of principle, and to pay to the Government' of the French Republic a sum of 2,000,000 fr. to cover the amount of damages which may be found to 134 have been really suffered in all or any of the above-mentioned cases. The Siamese Government would suggest, without making it a condition therefore, that the appreciation of these amounts and of the pecuniary reparation whereof question in the 4th paragraph might be deferred to a Joint Commission. 6. An immediate deposit of 3,000,000 fr., in dollars, as a guarantee for the afore- said pecuniary reparation and for the indemnity, will be made concurrently with the exchange of notes between us. His Majesty's Government, having reason to believe that the estimate of 3,000,000 fr, considerably exceeds the amount of pecuniary reparation and indemnity which may be found due after full inquiry, trust in the justice of the French Government for the returning of such part of the deposited money which may remain after a full settlement of all cases. His Majesty's Government trust that the compliance with the demands of the French Government resulting from foregoing declarations will be considered as proving their sincere desire of living in good and friendly terms with the French Eepublic, and of settling in a complete and definite manner all questions pending between the two Governments, Accept, &c. (Signed) DEVAWONGSE VAEOPBAKAE, Inclosure 2 in ifo. 294. M, Pavie to Prince Devawongse. M. le Ministre, Bangkok, le 23 Juillet, 1893. J'AI I'honueur d'accuser reception a votre Altesse de la r^ponse que, au nora du Gouvernement de Sa Majeste le Eoi de Siam, elle a faite a la communication que je lui ai remise au nom du Gouvernement de la Eepublique Francaise. J'en ai pris acte, en constatant, sans entrer dans la discussion d'aucun des points, que cette reponse comporte le refus d'une partie considerable de la rive gauche du Mekong. , Yeuiljez, &c. (Sign6) PAVIE. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Bangkok, July 23, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the reply your Excellency, on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the King of Siam, has made to the communica- tion which I left with you on behalf of the Government of the French Republic. I have taken act of this reply, and, without entering upon a discussion of any of the points, I note that it involves the refusal of a considerable portion of the left bank of the Mekong. I have, &c. (Signed) PAVIE. Inclosure 3 in No. 294. M. Pavie to Prince Devawongse, M. Ic Ministre, Bangkok, le 23 Juillet, 1893. PAR suite du depart des trois b&timents Fran9ais, j'ai I'honneur de prier votre Altesse pour que trois pilotes se rendent a la disposition du Commandant Bory le 25 dans la soiree. Veuillez, &c. (Signe) PAVIE. (Translation.) M. le Ministre, Bangkok, July 23, 1893, IN consequence of the departure of the three French vessels, I have the honour to request your Excellency that three pilots may place themselves at the disposition of Commander Bory on the evening of the 25 _ U m Ko. Sol. Foreign Office to Straits Settlements Association. Sir, Foreign Office, August 31, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of 'your letter of the 30th instaiit, commenting on the additional demands which the Prench Govern- ment are alleged to be making on Siam, and which, in the Opinion of your Association, are prejudicial to the commercial interests of this country. I am to state, in reply, that your observations on this subject shall receive attention. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 302. Foreign Office to Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Sir, Foreign Office, August 31, 1893, I AM directed by the Earl of RosebfJry to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th instant, giving the substance of a telegraphic message received from the Singapore Chamber ve4 O^oli^ 2-) My Lord, Singapore, Septembev 5, 1893. I HAVE the honour tQ inclose copy ol' a tgjegrani dispatched to yo«r Lordship on the 1st instant. It was not until after due deliberation that the Chamber adopted the somewhat unusual course of telegraphing to your i,ordship, but the subject is of such grave impor- tance to the commercial interests of the Colony that we felt justified in drawing your Lordship's direct attention to the serious danger by which they are now threatened. It is unnecessary to remind your Lordship of the important and intimate tradal connections between these Settlements and Siam, as these are fully set out in the Consular Reports which are periodically received at the Foreign Office. If, as is apprehended from the information which now reaches us, the two Provinces of Battambang and Siemreap are wrested from Siam, a serious blow will be dealt at our .trade, and heavy duties, as your Lordship is. aware from the instance at Saigon, would probably be immediately imposed upon British manufactures. In any case it is to be feared the growth of French influence at Bangkok may greatly prejudice and jeopardize our commerce, as well as other British interests in. Siam. Under these circumstances the Chamber has appealed to your Lordship to take immediate steps in the course of present negotiations, with the view of securing, as far as possible, our valuable mercantile relations with that country from the interference and restriction which appear to form a not inconsiderable part of the aims of present French aggression. I have, &c, (Signed) T. SHELFORD, Chairman. Inclosure in No. 339. Singapore Chamber of Commerce to the E^rl pf Rosebery. (Telegraphic.) Si7),gqpore, September 1, 1893. CHAMBER views French claims as intended coerce Siam into French protection. If France succeeds therein, or acquiring further territory, British trade with Siam will be strangled by heavy duties. Consider present position gravely endangers British commerce. Protests against French aggression, which Chamber believes aimed against British trade. Respectfully urges your Lordship's immediate strong intervention. Delay iQOst dangerous. 179 No, 340. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received October 2.) "71 Sif' Admiralty, September 29, 1893. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith> for the mformation of the Secretary of State, copy of a letter from the Captain of Her Majesty's ship "Pallas," dated the 8th ultimo, and of its inclosures, respecting the raising of the blockade of the coasts and ports of Siam by the French. 1 am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOE. Inclosure in No. 340. Captain MacLeod to Vice-Admiral Sir E. Fremantle. "Pallas," off the mouth of the Menam River, Sir, August 8, 1893. I HxWE the honour to inform you that on the 3rd instant I received a communica- tion from Rear-Admiral Humann, Commander-in-chief of the French Far East Squadron, announcing that the blockade of certain portions of the Siamese coasts was raised at noon on that date. Copy attached. I have, &c. (Signed) ANGUS MaoLEOD. [For inclosure, see Inclosure 4 in No. 331.] No. 341. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received OctdbeT' 2.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, October 1, 1893. MY telegram of 30th September. The Plenipotentiaries signed both the Treaty and the new Convention this morning. A procis-verbal has been attached to the latter, which to some extent explain its provisions, and which, as the Siamese Government believe, modifies considerably thfe clauses to which they principally object. r^ [■'nil No. 342. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Rec&ived October 3.) My Lord, Paris, October 2, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship the text, as ptiblished in the 6 o'clock edition of the " Temps " of this evening, of the Franco-Siamese Treaty and Convention signed at Bangkok on the 1st instant. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN ai*d AVA. IflCloSure in No. 342. Extract from the " Temps " of October 3, 1893. Traite. ARTICLE I. Le Gouvernement Siamois renonce a toute pretention sur Tensembb des territoires de la rive gauche du Mekong et sur les lies du fleuve. Article II. Le Gouvernement Siamois s'interdit d'entretenir on de faire cifculer [501] 2 A 2 180 des embarcations ou bS.timeiits armds sur les eaux du Grand Lac, du Mekong et de leurs affluents situ6s dans les territoires visds k 1' Article suivant. Article III. Le G-ouvernement Siamois ne construira aucun poste fortifie ou ^tablisse- ment militaire dans les provinces de Battambang et de Sien-Reap et dans un rayon de 25 kilom. sur la rive droite du Mekong. Article IV. Dans les zones vis^es par I'Article III, la police sera exercde, selon I'usage, par les autorit^s locales avec les contingents strictement n6cessaires. II n'y sera entretenu aucune force arm^e r^guli^re ou irreguli^re. Article V. Le Gouvernement Siamois s'engage h ouvrir dans le d^lai de six mois des n^gociations avec le Gouvernement Fran^ais en vue du r^glement du regime douanier et commercial des territoires visds k I'Article III et de la revision du Traits de 1856. Jusqu'^ la conclusion de cat accord il ne sera pas 6tabli de droits de Douane dans la zone vis^e h I'Article III. La reciprocity continuera h. 6tre accordi^e par le Gouvernement Franyais aux produits de ladite zone. Article VI. Le developpement de la navigation du Mekong pouvant rendre neeessaires sur la rive droite certains travaux ou I'^tablisaement de relais de batellerie et de dep6ts de bois et de cbarbon, le Gouvernement Siamois s'engage h. donner, sur la demande du Gouvernement Fran9ais, toutes les facilit^s neeessaires a cet effet. Article VII. Les citoyens, sujets ou ressortissants Fran^ais pourront librement circuler, commercer dans les territoires vis^s a ^'Article III, munis d'une passe delivr^e par les autorit^s Frangaises. La reciprocite sera accord^e aux habitants desdites zones. Article VIII. Le Gouvernement Fran^ais se reserve d'etablir des Consulats ou il le jugera convenable, dans I'int^r&t de ses citoyens, sujets ou ressortissants, et notamment a Korat et & Muang-Nam. Le Gouvernement Siamois concedera les terrains neeessaires pour I'installation desdits. Consulats. Article IX. En cas de difficult^s, le texte Frangais fera seul foi. Article X. Le present Traite devra etre ratifie dans un delai de quatre mois k partir du jour de la signature. Convention. Les postes militaires Siamois etablis sur la rive gauche du Mekong et dans les iles du fleuve devront ^tre dvacues dans le delai d'un mois a dater de la signature de la presente Convention. Ceux situ^s dans les Provinces d'AngUor ei de Battambang et sur la rive droite du fleuve dans un rayon de 25 kilom. devront Itre evacues k la m^me epoque et les fortifications rashes. Les auteurs des attentats de Tong Xieng-Khan et de Kammon seront juges par les autorit^s Siamoises, Un Representant de la France assistera au jugement et veillera k I'ex^cution des peines prononcees. Le Gouvernement Francais se reserve le droit d'apprecier si les condamnations sont suffisantes, et le cas ech^ant, de r^clamer un jugement devant un Tribunal Mixte dont il fixera la composition. Le Gouvernement Siamois devra remettre k la disposition du Ministre de France k Bangkok ou des autoritfe Frangaises de la frontifere tons les sujets Frangais, Annamites, Cambodgiens, Laotiens de la rive gauche detenus k titre qiielconque ; il ne mettra aucun obstacle au retour sur la rive gauche des anciens habitants de cette region. Le Bang-Bien de Tong-Xieng-Khan et sa suite seront amends par un ddlegue du Ministre des Aff"aires Etrangferes k la Legation de France, ainsi que les armes et le pavilion Frangais saisis par les autorites Siamoises. Le Gouvernement Frangais continuera k occuper Chantaboun jusqu'a I'ex^cution des stipulations de la presente Convention et notamment jusqu'k la complete et pacifique Evacuation des postes Siamois etablis tant sur la rive gauche du Mekong et dans les iles du fleuve que dans les Provinces de Battambang et de Sien-Reap et dans un rayon de 25 kilom. sur la rive droite du Mekong. '^j^j, — -' No. 343. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received October 3.) e legraphic.) Bangkok, October 2, 1893. THE following is the substance of the proces-verbal which explains ttxe terms of the hew Convention :— ^ With regard to Article I, the Siamese Plenipotentiary fears that the furthest out- posts cannot be evacuated by the 5th of this month. The French Plenipotentiary replies 181 that, as the obstacles are insurmoilntable, the Siamese Government have only to ask for an extension of the time, stating the names of the places, and the date by which the posts can be withdrawn, the necessary authority will at once be granted in cases where good cause is shown for an extension. The Siamese Plenipotentiary inquires whether Article II necessitates the destruc- tion of old city walls and fortifications which are now obsolete and useless. The French Plenipotentiary replies that the Article only refers to military works which are capable of defence. With regard to Article III, the Siamese Plenipotentiary asks where the Court of Appeal will sit. The answer is that it will be at Bangkok. The expression " Mixed " is defined as meaning " Franco-Siamese." The Siamese Plenipotentiary remarks that, by this arrangement, the Siamese will be withdrawn from their natural Judges. The French Plenipotentiary's answer is that foreign jurisdiction is already recognized in Siam, and that Mixed Courts already exist : the arrangement would therefore be no innovation. The Siamese Plenipotentiary states that the Bangbien has already returned to French territory. Under these circumstances it is impossible for the Siamese to conduct him to the French Legation. The French Plenipotentiary replies that, of course, if the man has already crossed the frontier, the clause is withdrawn, and it will only be necessary to name in a special note the place where he left Siamese territory, in order that his presence may be ascertained. This principle applies also to the other persons who are referred to in Article V. In reply to the request of the Siamese Plenipotentiary for an explanation of the term " pacification " in Article VI, the French Plenipotentiary states that this reserva- tion is made by his Government in order to provide against the possibility of trouble or rebellion being encouraged by the Siamese. The Siamese Plenipotentiary fears that by this means a pretext will always be found for pretending that pacification has not been effected, and that the Siamese are stirring up trouble. The French Plenipoten- tiary says that the Treaty and the Convention are made in good faith, and that the work of the Plenipotentiaries must be governed by this principle, otherwise negotiation is useless. The Siamese Plenipotentiary then asks whether he can count upon the evacuation of Chantaboon as soon as the withdrawal of the Siamese troops has been completed. The French Plenipotentiary returns a negative answer, adding that it is necessary that the French Government should first feel assured that the conditions of the ultimatum will be scrupulously observed by Siam. The Siamese Plenipotentiary wishes to be informed by what means the French Plenipotentiary can guarantee the sincerity of his Government in bringing about the evacuation of Chantaboon. The latter replies that his Government have no intention of retaining possession of that place, that it is their interest to hasten the evacuation on account of the heavy expenditure which it involves, and that, in any case, this must always be a question of good faith. No. 344. Manchester Chamber of Commerce to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received October 3.) Mv Lord Manchester, October 2, 1893. "^1 AM requested by the President of this Chamber to forward to you the inclosed extract from a letter, dated the 4th September and received to-day, referring to the claims of France upon Siam. ,,.,,. ,, . . , The President is aware of the telegrams published m this morning s newspapers reporting a settlement of these claims, but he is of opinion that it may be of service to submit the extract in question for your Lordship's consideration. (Signed) ' ELIJAH HELM, Secretary. 18^, , Inclosure in No. 344. Extract from a Letter, dated September 4, 1893, addressed by the Singapore Chamber of Corhmerce to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. THERE is much reason to fear that the French claims now extend to retaining permanent possession of the two Provinces of Battambang and Siemreap, contrary to explicit stipulation that the farming of their taxes only should be assigned to 'France in default of deposit of the 3,000,000 fr. (since paid), and the occupation of the port and river of Chantaboon pending evacuation of the left bank of the Mekong. These two provinces embrace very fertile, productive, and populous districts of Siam ; they have a large trade, vi^ Bangkok, with this Settlement ; enterprises supported by British capital and under British control are within their borders, and their absorption under French administration WiQuldd^ala heavy blo^ to bur commercial relations with Siam. ; ;Hie itoposition of heavy duties on British manufactures at Saigon has greatly decreased the volume of our imports to Cochin China, which was previously one of our principal consuming centres. The French have definitely refused to extend to this Colony the provisions of the "Minimum Tariff," and there can be no doubt that a similar policy would be adopted in any portion of Siam which may be brought within their administration or direction. The Chamber is apprehensive that France cSntemplates eventually establishing a Protectorate over the whole of Southern Siam, and even if this is not attained, the present course of events would seem to indicate a preponderance of French influence at Bangkok, to the certain jeopardy and prejudice of British interests and trade. With respect to the proportions of this trade, as compared with that of France, I wotild ask your reference to the Consular Report for last year. Therein it appears that 87 per cent, of the tonnage entering and clearing from Bangkok was British, as against I per cent, of French, and that the year's trade with France did not exceed 7,946/., being •03 per cent, of the whole trade, " by far the greater portion of which goes to Singapore and Hong Kong." The feai^ is strongly entertained that if Her Majesty^s Government does not promptly interfere in the interests of British commerce, we may, at an early day, be suddenly apprised of the fact that France has coerced Siam into ceding all her demands, and when once accomplished, British intervention would be too late. No. 845. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Hosebery. -^{Received October 3.) (Telegraphic.) Paris, October ^, 1893. M. DEVELLE informs me that he is ready to commence negotiations with regard to the "buffer" State. No. 346. The Marquis of Buferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received October 7.) My Lord, Paris, October 3, 1893. I CALLED upon M. Develle this morning. His Excellency began at once remarking with regret upon the unfavourable view taken by the English newspapers of the Siamese Treaty, and the Convention appended to it. I told him that I had received no instruc- tions to communicate any opinion from your Lordship, and that there was no necessity that I should trouble him with observations of my own on the subject. The only circumstance which perhaps called for remark was the continued occupation of Chantaboon. His Excellency had been good enough to assure me that the French Government earnestly desired to withdraw their troops from that place ; but the Convention seemed to imply a more prolonged stay. M. Develle said that I need be under ho apprehension on that head. Chantaboon was a most inconvenient station for troops, and the French Government desired no better than to evacuate the place. It was true the small garrison had been slightly increased of late ; but that was at the instance of the military authorities, who stated that this precaution was necessary in the presence of the large number of Siamese troops in the 183 neighbourhood. He could not, of course, ignore these representations. Under the Convention the Siamese troops were to remove to the stipulated distance to the west of the Mekong within a month. Within a month, therefore, Chantaboon would be evacuated. I then informed him that my main purpose in waiting upon him was to ascertain if he was ready to take up the thread of the negotiations in regard to the "buffer" State, which had been suspended at the lieginning of August. He said that he was ; a.nd then he proceeded to suggest that the details of the busiaess should be left to a couple of gentlemen whom he would nominate, and to two Secretaries of this Embassy. He himself, he said, was extremely busy, and it would be a convenience to him if this arrangement could be adopted. 1 observed that such elaborate machinery seemed quite unnecessary, for the whole matter might be concluded in half-an-hour's conversation between himself and me. To this, however, M. Develle demurred, on the ground that in arranging delimitations it was necessary to attend to very minute particulars. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. No. 347. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received October 9.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, October 6, 1893. THE formal signature of the Treaty and of the Convention took place on the 3rd instant. M. Le Myre de Vilers subsequently had an audieiice of the King, and dined at the Palace. He left for Cochin China this morning. No. 348. Blackburn and District Incorporated Chamber of Commerce to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received October 10.) My Lord, 6, Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, October 9, 1893. ]\IT Chamber desires me to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 27th ultimo, and to point out that the statement of the Chamber, that "one-third of our markets in Siam have been closed to the trade of this country and of our Colonies by French aggression," appears to be borne out by the " Map of the Kingdom of Siam and its Dependencies," constructed from the Siamese Government surveys, and published by the Royal Geographical Society in its " Proceedings " to illustrate the pa.per read before it on the 14th November, 1887, by Mr. J. Macarthy, the Superintendent of Siamese Surveys. This map shows that at least one-third of the Siamese dominions lay to the east of the left bank of the Mekong River, According to Article I of the Franco-Siamese Treaty signed on the 3rd October, 1893, " the Siamese Government renounces ail pretensions to the whole of the territories on the left bank of the Mekong and to the islands in the river." This being the case, if France is permitted to annex the whole of these vacated terri- tories, our Siamese market will have been restricted by at least one-third of its previous extent. My Chamber will be glad to learn that the concluding paragraph of your Lordship's letter infers that Her Majesty's Government has arranged, or is arranging, with France for t^ie portion of the northern half of these vacated territories that lies in the basin of the Mekong to be formed into an independent buffer to separate the French territories in Tpnquin from the British Shan States, and that sych portion will be kept free from prohibition Tariffs for the entrance of British goods. I have, &c. (Signed) JOSEPH WATSON, Secretary. 184 No. 349. Foreign Office to Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Sir, Foreign Office, October 10, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, inclosing an extract from a communication addressed to your Chamber by the Sineanore Chamber of Commerce respecting the claims made by France on the Siamese Grovernment. I am, &c. (Signed) P. CURRIE. No. 350. Foreign Office to Singapore Chamber of Commerce. Sir, Foreign Office, October 10, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th ultimo, respecting the demands made by France upon the Siamese Government. * T am, &c. (Signed) P. CURRIE. >— —»»— ^^— ^^^.^^-^^— ^— i^— — ~^^— ^— ~i— .— — ■^— i— — — ^^.j^^^^— ^»— — — — i No. 351. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Bufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, October 11, 1893. WITH reference to your Excellency's telegram of the 3rd instant the French Charge d'AflFaires alluded to-day to the subject of Siam, and read me passages a letter from M. Develle, which stated that negotiations for the neutral zone wou commenced at once. I pointed out the paramount importance of concluding an affair, in itself offering no difficulties, before the meeting of Parliament and the Chambers. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERT. No. 352. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received October 12.) (Telegraphic.) Banghoh, October 11, 1898. I AM told that the French have now about 400 men at Chantaboon. There is no foundation for the statement that 3,000 Siamese troops have remained in the place : they were all withdrawn on the arrival of the French. No. 353. Foreign Office to Blackburn and District Incorporated Chamber of Commerce. Sir, Foreign Office, October 12, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to state, for the information of your Chamber, that the matters referred to in your letter of the 9th instant are receiving his Lordship's earnest attention. I am, &c. (Signed) P. CURRIE. 185 No, 354. Colonial Office to Foreigrl Office.— {Received October 16.) ^i^ Downing Street, October 14, 1893; I AM directed by the Seeretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Earl of Eosebery, with reference to the letter from your Depart- ment of the 8th ultimo, a copy of the despatch from the Officer administering the Government of the Straits Settlements on the subject of. the effect upon British trade of the action of the French in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) K. H. MEADE. Inclosure 1 in ^o. 354. Mr, Maxwell to the Marquis of Ripon. (Jlixtract.) Government House, Singapore, September 6, 1898, I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a letter and inclosure from the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, upon the subject of the nienace to British commercial interests in Siam created by the action of France in that kingdom. Inclosure 2 in K"o. 354. The Singapore Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Talbot. Sir, Singapore, September 2, 1893. I BEGr to inclose, for the information of the Acting Governor, copy of telegram dispatched yesterday by the Chamber of Commerce to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, relative to the increasing critical position of the Franco-Siamese question. We regard with great apprehension the further development of French claims. These there is too much reason to fear now extend to retaining permanent possession of the two provinces of Battambong and of Siemreap, contrary to the explicit stipulation that the farming of their taxes only should be assigned to the French, in default of deposit of the 8,000,000 fr. agreed upon, which have since been paid, and the occupation of the port and river of Chantaboon pending the evacuation of the left bank of the Mekong. Such a grave departure from accepted conditions, and usurpation of territory, cannot fail to be highly detrimental to the commercial interests of this Colony. The two provinces in question embrace very fertile, productive, and populous parts of Siam, a large trade both in imports and exports is carried on viS. Bangkok between them and this Settlement, enterprises supported by British capital and under British control are within their borders, and their absorption under French rule would deal a heavy blow to our commercial relations with Siam. The imposition of heavy duties on British manufactures at Saigon has greatly decreased the volume of our imports to Cochin-China, which was previously one of our principal consuming centres. The French have definitely refused to extend to this Colony the provisions of the " Minimum Tariff," and there can be no doubt that a similar policy would be adopted in any portion of Siam which may be brought within their administration or direction. The Committee are, moreover, apprehensive that France contemplate eventually establishing a Protectorate over the whole of Southern Siam, and, even if this be not attained, the present course of events would seem to point to the preponderance of French influence at Bangkok to the certain jeopardy and prejudice of British interest and trade. "With respect to the proportions of this trade as compared with that of France, I would ask your reference to the Consular Eeport for last year (published in the China "Express " of the 4th August). Therein it appears that 87 per cent, of the tonnage entering and clearing from Bangkok was British, as against 1 per cent, of French, and that the year's trade with France did not exceed 7,946/., being -03 per cent, of the whole trade, " by far the greater portion of which goes to Singapore and Hong Kong." [591] 2 B 186 I would also beg your reference to the letter addressed to you on the 23rd June last, with its accompanying Returns. In view of these statements now submitted to you, we trust that his Excellency will be prepared to represent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the grave anxiety which exists throughout the community, and to urge that strong representations may be made in the proper quarter to effectually protect the interests vitally connected with this Colony, and which are being so ruthlessly threatened. It will be obvious to you that, at the present juncture, time is of the greatest importance, and we would therefore suggest that a telegram embodying our apprehensions may be sent without delay. The fear is strongly entertained that if Her ' Majesty's Government does not promptly interfere in the interests of British commerce, we may at an early day be suddenly apprised of the fact that France has coerced Siam into ceding all her demands, and when once accomplished British intervention in the interests of our trade would be too late. T ll3iVG &C (Signed) ' f . SHELFORD, Chairman. No. 355i The Earl of Rosebery to Captain Jones. Sir, Foreign Office, October 21, 1893. I TRA^NSMIT, for your information, a copy of a despatch which the Officer administering the Straits Settlements has addressed to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies,* inclosing a letter from the Chairman of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce respecting the effect which the action of France in Siam is likely to have upon the trade of that Colony. I have requested the Marquis of Ripon to cause the Chamber to be informed that the subject of their letter is engaging the earnest and vigilant attention of Her Majesty's Grovernment. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBEET. No. 356. The Earl of Bosebery to Captain Jones. Sir, Foreign Office, October 21, 1893. WITH reference to my preceding despatch of this day's" date, inclosing a copy of a letter from the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, I am of opinion that it is desirable that a representation should be made to the Siamese Government clearly defining the commercial position which Great Britain at present occupies with regard to Siam under existing Treaties. The Xth Article of her Treaty with Siam of the 18th May, 1855, runs as IdUows : — "The British Government and its subjects will be allowed free and equal participa- tion in any privileges that may have been, or may hereafter be, granted by the Siamese Government to the Government or subjects of any other nation." Ton should address a note to the Siamese Government reminding them of these provisions, and notifying them of our intention to claim to the fullest extent those rights of most-favoured-nation treatment in every respect which are thus secured to us by Treaty. It might also be well that, if not inconvenient, the Government of Bangkok should communicate to us the text of any arrangements which they may have recently concluded with any other Power which may tend to enlarge in any respect, more especially in commercial or Consular matters, the privileges or facilities hitherto granted to foreign States in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERT. • Inclosures in No. 354. J 87 No. 857. Foreign Office to Colonial Office. Sir, ^ Foreign Office, October 23, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, forwarding a copy of a despatch from the Officer administering the Straits Settlements, which incloses a communication from the Singapore Chamber of Commerce respecting the effect which the action of France in Siam is likely to have upon the trade of that Colony. His Lordship would be glad if the Marquis of Ripon would cause the Chamber of Commerce to be informed by telegraph that the subject of their letter is engaging the earnest and vigilant attention of Her Majesty's Government. I am also to transmit, for Lord Eipon's information, and for communication to the Governor of the Straits Settlements, copy of a despatch which has been addressed to Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok,* instructing him to remind the Siamese Government that Great Britain is entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment under the Xth Article of the Treaty of the 18th May, 1855. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 358. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received October 24.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, October 24, 1893. THE " Alouette " has been sent to Chantaboon, and the " Aspic " has returned to Bangkok from there. It is expected that the latter gun-boat will remain here for at least a month. No. 359. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, October 25, 1898. THE French Charg^ d'Affaires spoke to me to-day in a somewhat desponding manner about the buffer State negotiations in Paris. He said that by retaining the cis-Mekong part of Kyaing Chaing, and assigning the other part to the buffer State, we should be remaining on the Mekong ourselves while keeping France away. 1 told him that as Kyaing Chaing was a State under our suzerainty, we were, in giving up the trans-Mekong part, making a considerable concession, and, in retaining the cis-Mekong portion, only retaining what we already possessed. Moreover, I said, we were thus acting in uniformity with M. Waddington's propositfen of making the Mekong the limits of our respective spheres of influence. On the other hand, France was giving nothing, because she had not yet arrived at the territory which she professed to be willing to cede. It was true that we had agreed in principle to give Kyaing Chaing to Siam, but when the French attacked Siam the Treaty to that effect had not even been drafted much less signed, and, even had it been signed, the province could not have been ceded to any other Power without our consent. If, therefore, the negotiations for the buffer State failed, we should retain Kyaing Chaing, and secure our position on both sides of the Mekong in that region. M. d'Estournelles, after stating to me that he had understood (though he admitted that it had never been definitely expressed) that both parties were to withdraw from the Upper Mekong, said that after much reflection he had thought of a method by which matters might be arranged. It was that both parties should withdraw their military posts to 50 kilom. from the Mekong on both sides, making a neutral zone of at least 100 kilom., and that a Commission should then be appointed to arrange from a geographical and economic point of view the exact • No. 356. [591] 2 B 2 188 limits of this proposed zone. I replied that, before considering any proposition of the kind, I should like to know what passed at the conference which was to be held at Paris to-day, for until I knew that I could not tell how the question precisely stood, I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. 360. Manchester Chamber of Commerce to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received October 27.) My Lord, Manchester, October 26, 1893. I AM instructed by the Board of Directors of this Chamber to forward to you the following copy of a Resolution unanimously adopted by the Board : — "That, in the opinion of the Board, the advantages recently gained by France ill Siam are extremely prejudicial to the greater interests of British commerce with that country, and that therefore, looking to the danger of further movements of an aggressive nature on the part of France, it is most important that the United Kingdom and its dependencies should be diplomatically represented with the utmost vigour and vigilance at Bangkok." I have, &c. (Signed) ELIJAH HELM, Secretary. No. 361. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Duferin. (Extract.) Foreign Office, October 27, 1893. " MR. AUSTIN LEE, Secretary of Legation in Her Majesty's Embassy, arrived this morning, bringing reports of the discussions which have taken place between Mr. Phipps and him on the one side, and M. Jusserand and M. Revoil on behalf of the French Government, with regard to the neutral State to be established between the British and French possessions in the neighbourhood of the Upper Mekong. I regret to notice that those discussions have resulted in but little satisfactory progress towards a settlement. The main question involved in the negotiation is, as is stated in the Protocol of the 31st July, 1893, the necessity of constituting a neutral zone between the possessions of Great Britain and France. It appears to Her Majesty's Government that it is of little use to endeavour to patch together, in a somewhat narrow and grudging spirit, a small neutral State on the Upper Mekong, unless the whole object and end of the arrangement be borne in mind, and steps be taken to properly confirm and secure the integrity and independence of Siam, which have been so freely recognized by both Governments, and without which any settlement must necessarily be illusory and incomplete. Her Majesty's Government believe that it would be to the advantage of both countries to enter into a joint guarantee of the dominions of Siam as these have been left by the acceptance of the recent French ultimatum and subsequent conditions. If the French Government are prepared to enter promptly into such a guarantee, that is to say, to make a complete and not a partial arrangement, Her Majesty's Govern- ment would feel justified in dealing with the question of the northern neutral zone in a liberal spirit, so as to satisfy public opinion in France, and thus facilitate the position of the French Government. But the question should be approached in a large and statesmanlike temper, and not be allowed to degenerate into petty squabbles over a few square miles of mountainous territory sparsely inhabited by nomad tribes, where one party is certainly not in possession, and over which neither party has as yet exercised any very regular control. Should these negotiations, however, unfortunately fail, and should the French Government be unable to accept the above proposal (which is offered in the most conciliatory spirit), the British Government would have to take such measures as they might consider necessary for their own protection. These it is not necessary 189 more particularly to define. But they would, at any rate, be compelled to maintain and strengthen their hold over the State of Kyaing Chaing on both sides of the Mekong, and over Kyaing Ton, which also extends for a certain distance along the left side of that river, in such manner as they might deem fitting, and, indeed, to assume a proper control of the river itself where it passes, through their territories. They would also take into immediate consideration the measures neces- sary to preserve an independent State between the main body of the British dominions and those of France. This is a provision which they have always believed to be in accordance with the views, as it certainly is with the declarations, of the French Government, and one which they deem to be absolutely necessary for peaceful and good relations between the two countries. Your Excellency will take the earliest opportunity of speaking to M. Develle in this sense, and, as this is a matter which appears specially to interest the French Colonial Office, it might be well to suggest that you should have a conference with the representative of that as well as of the Foreign Department. No. 362. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, October 27, 1893. IT may be useful in the discussions respecting the " buffer State " to be established in the neighbourhood of the Upper Mekong that your Excellency and the British Delegates should have the assistance of Mr. "W. J. Archer, Her Majesty's Vice-Consul at Chiengmai, who is now at home on leave, and who has visited the districts in question, and ia accurately acquainted with the actual frontiers of the various States. I have accordingly instructed Mr, Archer to proceed at once to Paris and place himself at your Excellency's disposal. . He leaves by the night mail this evening. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERY. No. 363. Foreign Office to Mr. Archer. Sir, Foreign Office, October 27, 1893. AS your knowledge of the countries in the neighbourhood of the Upper Mekong will be valuable to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris in his negotiations with the French Government for the formation of a neutral State between the British and French possessions in that quarter, I am directed by the Earl of Rosebery to instruct you to proceed there at once, and place yourself [at the disposal of Lord Duft'erin, I am, &c. (Signed) P. OURRIE. No. 364. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received October 31.) (Extract.) Bangkok, September 28, 1893. 1 HAVE the honour to forward herewith to your Lordship a copy of the Articles (revised) of a proposed new Treaty of Peace and Friendship between France and Siam. 1 have not learnt yet the views of the Siamese Foreign Minister on these revised proposals, but I believe that he will not accept them without still further modifications. 190 Inclosure in No. 364. Articles {revised) of proposed new Treaty between France and Siam.* KOUS, le President de la Rdpublique Fran9aise et Sa Majeste le Roi de Siam, voulant mettre un terme aux contestations survenues dans les derniers temps entre les deux Etats, et consolider les relations d'amiti^ qui existent depuis des si^cles entre la France et Siam, ont nomm^ pour leurs Plenipotentiaires Lesquels sont convenus des Articles suivants : — ARTICLE I. Le Gouvernement Siamois renonce a toute pretention sur I'ensemble des terri- toires de la rive gauche du Mekong, et sur les iles du fleuve. ARTICLE II. ''^'""' Le Gouvernement Siamois s'interdit d'entretenir ou de faire circuler sur les eaux du Grand Lac, du Mekong, et de leurs affluents situes en territoires rdserv^s, des embarcations ou b^timents arm^s. ARTICLE III. Le Gouvernement Siamois ne construira aucun poste fortifie ou ^tablissement militaire dans les Provinces de Battambang et de Siemreap, et dans un rayon de 25 kilom. sur la rive droite du Mekong. ARTICLE IV. Dans ces zones r^servees, la police y sera exercee selon I'usage par les autorit^s locales avec le personnel strictement ndcessaire. II n'y sera entretenu aucune force militaire rdgulidre ou irr^gulidre. ARTICLE V. Aucun poste de Douane sera etabli, aucune taxe ne sera per9ue k I'importation ou k I'exportation dans les zones reserv^es. Par r^ciprocite les produits de ces regions continueront k ne payer aucune taxe a leur entree en Cochinchine et au Cambodge, ARTICLE VL Le d^veloppement de la navigation du Mekong pouvant rendre n^cessaire sur la rive droite certains travaux ou Tetablisseraent de relais de batellerie ou de depots de bois ou de charbons, le Gouvernement Siamois s'engage £i donner, sur la demande du Gouvernement Fran9ais, toutes les facilit^s n^cessaires k cet effet. ARTICLE VII. Les citoyens, sujets, ou ressortissants Frangais pourront librement circuler, commercer, dans les territoires reserves munis d'une passe d^livr^e par les autorit^s Frangaises. La reciprocity sera accord^e aux habitants des dites zones. ARTICLE VIII. Dans ces m&mes zones le Gouvernement Frangais se reserve d'^tablir des Agences 1^ oii il le jugera convenables dans I'interfit de ses ressortissants. Le • For text as signed, see No. 375. 191 Gouvernement Siamois concedera gratuitement les terrains n^cessaires a I'instal- lation des dites Agences. ARTICLE IX. Le Gouvernement Fran^ais se reserve d'^tablir des Consulats k Khorat et A, Muang Nan. ARTICLE X. Les sujets ou ressortissants Frangais immatricaMs aux Consulats sont places sous la juridiction Frangaise. ARTICLE XL En cas de difEcult6 d'interpretation, le texte Fran9ais fera seul foi. ARTICLE XII. Le present Traits devra etre ratifie dans un delai de quatre mois h, partirjdu jour de la signature. (Translation.) WE, the President of the French Republic and His Majesty the King of Siam,|wishing to put an end to the disputes which have lately arisen between the two States, and to consolidate the friendly relations which have existed for centuries between France and Siam, have named as their Plenipotentiaries Who have agreed on the following Articles : — ARTICLE I. The Siamese Government renounces all claim to the whole of the territories on the- left bank of the Mekong, and to the islands in the river. ARTICLE II. The Siamese Government binds itself not to keep or navigate ships or armed vessels on the waters of the Great Lake, the Mekong, and their affluents within the reserved territories. ARTICLE III. The Siamese Government shall construct no fortified post or military establishment in the Provinces 6f Battambang and Siemreap, nor within a radius of 25 kilom. on the right bank of the Mekong. ARTICLE IV. Within the reserved zones the police shall be managed according to custom by the local authorities with the staff which is strictly necessary. No military force, regular or irregular, shall be maintained there. ARTICLE V. No Customs post shall be established, and no tax levied on importation or exportation in the reserved zones. Reciprocally, the products of these districts shall continue to pay no tax on entering Cochin China and Cambodia. 192 ARTICLE VI. As the development of the navigation of the Mekong may entail on the right bank certain works or establishments for relays of boats or for stores of wood or coal, the Siamese Gov^^nment' enigages to i grant all necessary facilities for this purpose on the request of the French Government. ARTICLE VII. French citizens, subjects, or those under French protection .(" ressortissants ") shall be free to travel and trade in the reserved territories if provided with a passport issued by the French authorities. Reciprocal fights shall be accorded to the inhabitants of the said zones. ARTICLE VIII. The French Government reserves to itself the right of establishing Agencies at such places as they shall consider suitable in the interests of persons under their jurisdiction. The Siamese Government shall give free of charge the land necessary for the establishment of the said Agencies. ARTICLE IX. The French Government reserves to itself the right of establishing Consulates at Khorat and Muang Nan. ARTICLE X. French subjects or persons under French protection (" ressortissants ") registered at the Consulates are placed under French jurisdiction. ARTICLE XI. In case of difficulty of interpretation, the French text shall alone be valid. ARTICLE XII. The present Treaty is to be ratified within four months from the date of signature. No. 365. Wolverhampton Chamber of Commerce to the Earl of Mosebery. — {Received October 31.; My Lord, Wolverhampton, October 30, 1893. AT a meeting of my Council, held on the 27th instant, a copy was received and considered of a Resolution forwarded to your Lordship on the 18th ultimo from the Black- burn and District Chamber of Commerce, deprecating further French encroachment upon our markets in the Far East. I was instructed to inform your Lordship that my Council very strongly indorse the opinion expressed by the Blackburn and District Chamber. I am, &c. (Signed) STEPHEN WATKINS, Secretary. 193 No. 366. foreign Oifice to Manchester Chamber of Oommerce. Sir, Foreign Office, October 31, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, forwarding copy of a Resolution passed by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce with regard to recent events in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 367. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November I.) (Extract.) Paris, October 31, 1893. YESTERDAY I waited upon M. Develle, and during the course of a long conversation 1 submitted to him, in accordance with the instructions contained in your Lordship's despatch of the 27th instant, the various considerations to which my report of our negotiations in reference to Siam had given rise in your Lordship's mind ; and I especially impressed upon his Excellency the obvious advantages which would accrue both to France and England if the independence and integrity of Siam were to be guaranteed by the Powers interested in the future welfare of that kingdom. It is unnecessary for me to trouble your Lordship in detail with what I said, though I went very fully into the undesirable consequences which would inevitably ensue if we failed to come to an amicable agreement in respect to Siamese affairs, a result which I scarcely thought possible, in view of the obvious utility as well as the reasonable nature of the arrangements which we had suggested, M. Develle listened to me during the whole time with great attention, and when 1 had finished he informed me that there was to be a meeting of the Council this morning; that he would acquaint the Ministers with the exact teuour of the communication I had made to him, and that he would give me the reply of the French G-overnment in the course of the same day. Accordingly, in obedience to an intimation that he wished to see me at 4 o'clock this afternoon, I again repaired to the French Foreign Office. M. Develle received me with great cordiality. He told me he had fully explained your Lordship's views to his colleagues and to the Chief of the State, and that he had been authorized by them to inform me that they would not be unwilling, under certain circumstances, to give a favourable reception to your proposal. They fully recognized the friendly feelings by which England was actuated towards France in this matter, and they desired to reciprocate those feelings to the uttaost. K"o. 368. The Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November *2.) My Lord, Liverpool, November 1, 1893. THE progress of the Siamese question has been carefully watched by this Chamber on account of its trade interests in Siam, the intimate connection of the question with the affairs of Burmah, and the effect of its settlement upon the development of trade with south-west China. On Saturday last, this Chamber was honoured by a visit from Lord Lamington, and, at the conclusion of his address, it was resolved that the President of this Chamber should urge upon Her Majesty's Government the importance of preventing any further French interference in Siam, or occupation of the country between Burmah and south- west China. Your Lordship will have much fuller information upon this subject than this Chamber possesses, but, on behalf of this Association, I am to say that the proposal for the formation of a buffer State between the Burmah-Shan States and Tonquin is [591] 2 C 194 approved by the body, and they are, moreover, of opinion that within such a State British traders should have secured to them advantages equal to those enjoyed by the traders of any other nation. If the territory of the proposed buffer State he divided between France and Britain, British interests in the matter of railway or other approaches to south-west China should be most carefully guarded. I may say also that it is the view of the Chamber that the integrity of Siam should he maintained, as the extension of French protection over that kingdom would be followed by the adoption of a policy designed to exclude British trade, and thereby to deprive British merchants, at hoine and in the Colonies, of" the commercial benefits they have hitherto enjoyed^ In this latter connection, viz., the apprehension felt lest British traders should be practically excluded from certain Siamese territories by reason of superior advantages being acquired for French subjects, I am to refer to those Articles of the draft Treaty between France and Siam which bind the latter Power : — 1. To open negotiations within six months for the regulation of customs and commerce within certain Siamese provinces and the semi-neutral zone. 2. To allow dnd to make provision for the establishment of French Consulates in the territories just referred to and in Siam, and which refer — 3. To the issue reciprocally by the two Powers of travelling passes to French and Siamese subjects. ^ And I am to respectfully request that your Lordship will use every effort to prevent British commercial interests being prejudiced in the event of the said draft Treaty being ratified, and the negotiations stipulated for by France being subsequently entered upon. I have, &c. (Signed) CHAKLES McAETHUR, President. No. 369. The Earl of Mosebery to Captain Jones. ( relegraphic.) . Foreign Office, November 4, 1893. A QUESTION will be asked in the House of Commons respecting the islands occupied by the French in the Siamese waters. Report at once whether the Island of Koh Samit, off" Chantaboon, or any other islands, are now in possession of French, and whether their occupation is permanent or temporary. No. 370. n ' Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November 6.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 5, 1893. WITH reference to telegram of yesterday's date, I learn that the French occupy no islands whatever in the Gulf of Siam^ except Samit. This small rocky island lies ofE Point Samit in Cambodia, and is an unhealthy place. It should not be mistaken for Koh Samit in the territorial vraters of Siam. ISo. 371. Memorial from the Associated Chambers of Commerce. — (Received November 6.) To the Eight Honourable the Earl of Rosebery, K.G., Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Memorial of the Association , of Chambers of Commerce of the United Xingdom, of which the following Chambers of Commerce are members: - Aberdeen. Belfast. Barnsley. Bideford. Barrow-in-Furness. Birmingham. Batley. Birstall, near Leeds. 195 Blackburn. Bolton. Bradford. Bristol. Cardiff. 1.1 /, Cleckheaton. Cork (incorporated). Coventry. Dartmouth. Derby. Dewsbury. Dover. Dublin. Dudley. Dundalk. Dundee. , , Edinburgh. , Exeter. Falmouth, Gloucester. Goole. Greenock. Halifax. Hartlepools. Heckmondwike. High Wycombe. Huddersfield. Hull. Ipswich. Jersey. Keighley. Kendal. Kidderminster. Leeds. Leicester. Limerick. Lincoln. Llanelly. London. Londonderry. Luton. .^;\ Macclesfield. > ,, ..o , ,, \ « Middlesbrough-on-Tees. Morley, near Leeds. Newcastle-on-Tyne. Ifewport, Mon, North Shields and Tynemouth, North Staffordshire. Nottingham. Oldham, Ossett, near "Wakefield. Paris (British Chamber). Plymouth. Portsmouth. Eochdale. Sheffield. Southampton. South of Scotland, Stockton and Thornaby. Stroud. Sunderland. Swansea. Torquay. Wakefield. Walsall. Warrington. Wigan. Wolverhampton. Worcester. Wrexham. Teadon, near Leeds. Sheweth : That, at the recent autumnal meeting of this Association, the following Resolution was unanimously passed : — " That this Association, whilst expressing every confidence in the watchfulness and firmness of Her Ma.iesty's Government in regard to the difficulties which have arisen between France and Siam, is desirous that the earliest possible opportunity should be taken by Her Majesty's Government to seriously consider how far it may be feasible to relieve British interests from liability to injury when disputes arise between two or more States, and especially in the absence of an absolute declaration of war. That in view of the important interests of British business with Siam, forming about 90 per cent, of the trade of that country, this Association trusts that Her Majesty's Government will continue their efforts to protect our trade, while, at the same time, most anxious to preserve peace with all countries having interest there." That, by reason of the extension of French territory in Siam, and by fixing on the whole course' of the Eiver Mekong as its new frontier, the existing trade that has been established by the enterprise, industry, and perseverance of subjects of Her Majesty, is likely to be very detrimentally affected, and its extension checked. And, further, for some years British merchants have contemplated (when a favourable occasion arises) the construction of a railway through British Burmah and the protected Shan States to the south-west of China, in order to facilitate and encourage a land transit trade which is now carried on by means of costly caravan traffic, with a populous friendly State. Should the negotiations now pending with the French Government result in a new froptier with France and Siam nearly approaching the easiest route for the proposed railway, a most promising object for extending trade would be frustrated! Numerous prohibitive and hostile Tariffs have been esftablished in recent years, closing valuable markets against British goods ; it therefore beboves our British merchants [691] 2 C 2 196 and Government to open and develope new markets and routes for commerce, in order to employ, feed, and clothe a dense home population that relies on British trade for its support and existence. Given nnder the common seal of the Association, 3rd November, 1893. (Signed) ALBEET K. EOLLIT, President. 1, Great College Street, Westminster. November 8, 1893. No. 372. Foreign Office to the Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool. Sir, Foreign OJice, November 9, 1S9S.^ I AM directed by the Earl of Eosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant respecting recent events in Siam and their bearing on British commercial interests, and I am to say, in reply, that the various points mentioned iii your letter are receiving close attention from Her Majesty's Government, I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDEESON. No. 373. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Hosebery. — {Received November 10.) (Extract.) Paris, November 9, 1893. HAVING learnt on good authority that all the Siamese troops were removed from the left bank of the Mekong, I brought this fact to the notice of M. Develle yesterday, and again pressed him both in regard to the evacuation of Chantaboon and the immediate resumption of our conversation on the question of the guarantee. In reply, his Excellency said that he would at once telegraph to M. Pavie, the French Agent at Bangkok, with the view, if possible, of fixing a date for the evacuation of Chan- taboon, which he said without doubt would be very prompt. No. 374. ' Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November 12.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 12, 1893. T LEAVE to-day. Mr. Scott takes charge. No. 376. Captain Jones to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November 13.) (Extract.) Bangkok, October 12, 1S93. I HAD the honour to forward to your Lordship, in my despatch of the 28th ultimo, a copy of the revised Articles of a proposed new Treaty of Peace and Friendship between France and Siam, submitted by the French Plenipotentiary, M. Le Myre de Vilers, on the preceding day for the consideration of the Siamese Government. On the 29th ultimo M. Le Myre de Vilers attended at the Foreign Office, by appoint- ment^ in order to learn the decision of the Siamese Foreign Minister on the acceptance of the conditions proposed. The latter, during the interview, produced a paper which he had drawn up on the subject, in which considerable modifications of M, Le Myre de Vilers' pro- posals were suggested, and when he had read it through, the latter took from his portfolio a fresh proposal, still further modified, which he placed before the Siamese Minister, observing that he had just received it from the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, and that it embodied all the alterations and concessions which he was prepared to accord. He then rose to leave, handing at the same time to the Siamese Minister a draft of a Convention, copy inclosed, for the execution of the said Treaty of Peace, as well as of the stipulations of the ultimatum accepted by the Siamese Government on the 197 5th August last. He observed before leaving, " I leave Siam within four days, whether these conditions be accepted or not, and I shall come again on Sunday next (1st October) to hear your decision. The Treaty can afibrd to wait* but there must be no delay as regards the Convention." On the 1st instant the Plenipotentiaries met again at the Foreign Office, and after some deliberation the Treaty was signed in its inclosed form. When the Convention was brought forward for discussion, the Siamese Plenipotentiary opposed its provisions on the grounds which are embodied in the proces-verbal inclosed. The Convention and the Treaty were formally signed by the Eepresentatives of the two States on the 3rd instant, and after taking leave of the King at a private audience, M. Le Myre de Vilers left Bangkok on tlie 6th instant for Saigon. Inclosure 1 in No. 375. Treaty of Peace signed by the French and Siamese Plenipotentiaries, October 3, 1893. SA Majeste le Eoi de Siam et M. le President de la E^publique Frangaise, voulant mettre un terme aux contestations survenues dans ces derniers temps entre les deux Etats et consolider les relations d'amitie qui existent depuis des siecles entre le Siam et la France, ont nomme pour leurs Pl^nipotentiaires :— Sa Majesty le Eoi de Siam, son Altesse Eoyale le Prince Devawongse Yaroprakar, Chevalier de I'Ordre de Maha Chakrkri, Grand-Officier de la Legion d'Honneur, &c., Ministre des Affaires Etrang^res : Et M. le President de la Eepublique Frangaise, M. Charles Marie Le Myre de Vilers, Grand-Officier de la Legion d'Honneur et de I'fil^phant Blanc, Ministre Plenipotentiaire de Premiere Classe, Depute : LesquelSj apr^s s'6tre communique leurs pleins pouvoirs et les avoir reconnus en due et bonne forme, sont convenus des Articles suivants : — ARTICLE I. Le Gouyernement Siamois renonce k toute pretention sur I'ensemble des territoires de la rive gauche du Mekong et sur les iles du fleuve. AETICLE II. Le Gouvernement Siamois s'interdit d'entretenir ou de faire circuler des embarca- tions ou des batiments arm^s sur les eaux du Grand Lac, du Mekong et de leurs affluents situes dans les limites visees a I'Article suivant. AETICLE III. Le Gouvernement Siamois ne construira aucun poste fortifie ou etablissement militaire dans les Provinces de Battambong et de Siam-Eeap, et dans un rayon de 25 kilom. sur la rive droite du Mekong. AETICLE IV. Dans les zones visdes par I'Article III la police sera exercee selon I'usage par les autorit^s locales avec les contingents strictement necessaires. U n'y sera entretenu aucune force armee re'guli^re ou irr^guliere. AETICLE V. Le Gouvernement Siamois s'engage a ouvrir, dans un ddlai de six mois, des nego- ciations avec le Gouvernement Frangais, en vue du reglement du regime douanier et commercial des territoires visees a I'Article III, et de la revision du Trait6 de 1856. Jusqu'^ la conclusion de cet accord il ne sera pas etabli des droits de douane dans la zone "isee a lArticle III. La re'ciprocite continuera a etre accordde par le Gouvernement Frangais aux produits de la dite zone. 198 ARTICLE VI. - ^ Le d^veleJjpemeBt de -la navigatioti du Mekong pouvant fetidre n^cessaire sur la rive droite certains travaux ou'^tablissements de relais de batellerie et de d^p6ts de bois et de cbarbon^-le GouverneBaent^iamoigVerigage £l donner, sur la demande du Gouveinement Fran§ai&, toutes les faeilit^s n^eessaires k cet effet. ARTICLE VII. Les citoyens, sujetSj ou ressortissants Frangais pourront libreraent circuler et corn- mercer dans les territoires visds a 1' Article III, munis d'une passe d^livr^e par les autofites Fran^aises. La rdciprocitd sera accord^e aux habitants des dites zones. ARTICLE VIII. Le Gouvernement Frangais se reserve d'etablir des Consuls ou il le jugera convenable dans I'int^^^t^de; ses 'ressortissantSj et notarament a Korat et k Muang-ifan. ARTICLE IX. En cas.de diflficultes d'interpretation, le texte Frangais fera seul foi. ARTICLE X. Le present Traite devra etre ratifi^ dans un d61ai de quatre mois, h. partir du jour de lafsignature. En foi de qtloi les P16nipotentiaires respectifs susnommes ont signe le present Traits en duplicata, et y ont appos^ leurs cachets. Fait an Palais de Vallabha, a Bangkok, le 3 Octobre, 1893. (Sign^) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAEOPRAKAR. (Translation.) HIS Majesty the King of Siam and the President of the French Republic, being desirous of closing the disputes which have lately arisen between the two countries, and of consolidating the friendly relations which have for centuries existed between Siam and France, have named as their Plenipotentiaries : His Majesty the King of Siam, His Royal Highness Prince Devawongse Varoprakar, Knight of the Order of Maha Chakrkri, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, Minister for Foreign Affairs ; And the President of the French Republic, M. Charles Marie Le Myre de Vilers, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour and the White Elephant, Minister Plenipotentiary of the First Class, Deputy ; Who, having communicated to each other their full powers, and recognized them in due and proper form, have agreed on the following Articles : — ARTICLE I. The Siamese Government renounces all claim to the whole of the territories on the left bank of the Mekong, and to the islands in the river, ARTICLE II. The Siamese Governjweut binds itself not to maintain or navigate ships or armed vessels on the waters pf the , Great Lake, the Mekong, and their affluents within the limits stipulated in the following Article. 199 AETIOLE III. The Siamese Government shall construct no fortified port or military establishment in the Provinces of Battambong and Siam-Reap, and within a radius of 25 kilom. on the right bank of the Mekong. AETICLE IV. Within the zones stipulated by Article III the police shall be carried on according to custom by the local authorities with the contingents strictly necessary. No armed force, regular or irregular, shall be maintained there. ARTICLE V. The Siamese Government undertakes to open negotiations within six months with the French Government with a view to the settlement of the customs and commercial system of the territories specified in Article III and the revision of the Treaty of 1856. Until the conclusion of this Agreement no customs duties shall be established within the zone specified in Article III. The French Government shall continue to grant reciprocity to the products of the said zone. ARTICLE VI. As the development of the navigation of the Mekong may entail certain works on the right bank, or establishments for relays of boats and stores of wood and coal, the Siamese Government engages to grant any necessary facilities for this purpose on the request of the French Government. AETICLE VII. French citizens, subjects, or those under French protection (" ressortissants") shall travel and trade freely, if provided with a pass issued by the French authorities, in the territories specified in Article III. Reciprocal rights will be accorded to the inhabitants of the said zones. ARTICLE Vm. The French Government reserves to itself the right of establishing Consuls at such places as they shall judge suitable to the interests of their lieges ("ressortissants"), and particularly at Korat and Muang Nan. ARTICLE IX. In case of diflSculties of interpretation, the French text shall carry weight. ARTICLE X. . , The present Treaty is to be ratified within four months from the date of signature. In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries above named have signed the present Treaty in duplicate, and attached their seals. Done at the Palace of Vallabha, at Bangkok, the 8rd October, 1893. (Signed) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR. 200 fnclosure 2 in No. 375. Convention regarding the execution of Terms of Treaty df Peace signed by the French and Siamese Plenipqientiaries, October 3, 1893. LES Plenipotentiaires ont arrete dans la presents Convention les diflRi^rentes mesures et les dispositions qu'entralnent I'execution du Traite de Paix sign^ en ce joui' et de Tultimatum accepte le 5 AoM dernier. AETICLE I. Les derniers postes militaires Siamois de la rive gauche du Mekong devront etre dvacu^s dans le ddai maximum d'un mois k partir du 5 Septembre. AETICLE II. Toutes les fortifications de la zone visee k 1' Article III du Traite en date de ce jour devront Mre rasees. AKTICLB III. # Les auteurs des attentats de Tong-Xieng-Kham et de Kammoun seront juges par les autorites Siamoises, un Eepresentant de la France assistera au jugement, et veillera k I'execution des peines prononcees. Le Gouvernement Fran9ais se reserve le droit d'apprecier si les condamnations sont suffisantes, et, le cas ech^ant, de r^clamer un nouveau Jugement, devant un Tribunal Mixte dont 11 fixera la composition. ARTICLE IV. Le Gouvernement Siamois devra remettre k la disposition du Ministre de France k Bangkok ou aux autorites Frangaises de la fronti&re, tons les sujets Frangais, A.nnamites, Laotiens de la rive gauche, et les Cambodiens detenus a un titre quelconque. II ne mettra aucun obstacle au retour sur la rive gauche des anciens habitants de cette region. AETICLE Y- Le Bam Bien de Tong-Xieng-Kham et sa suite seront amenes par un delegue du Ministre des Affaires Etrang^res a. la L%ation de France, ainsi que les armes et le pavilion Frangais saisis par les autorites Siamoises. ARTICLE VI. Le Gouvernement Fran^ais continuera a occuper Chantaboon jusqu'a I'exeoution des stipulations de la presente Convention, et notamment jusqu'^ complete evacuation et pacification tant de la rive gauche que des zones vis^es k I'Article III du Traite en date de ce jour. En foi de quoi les Plenipotentiaires respectifs ont signe la presente Convention et y ont appose leurs cachets. Fait en double, au Palais Vallabha, k Bangkok, le 3 Octobre, 1893. (Sign6) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR. (Translation.) THE Plenipotentiaries have drawn up in the present Convention the difFereat measures and arrangements entailed by the execution of the Treaty of Peace signed this day, and the ultimatum accepted on the 5th August last. ARTICLE I. The last Siamese military posts on the left bank of the Mekong shall be evacuated within a period of one month at most from the 5th September. 201 aetigle'ii. All the fortifications in the zone specified in Article III of the Treaty of this day's date shall be rased. ARTICLE III. The persons guilty of the offences of Tong-Xieng-Kham and Kammoun shall be tried by the Siajnese authorities, a Representative of France to be present at the trial, and will see that the penalties inflicted are carried out. The French Government reserves the right of deciding whether the sentences are sufficientj and, if they are, of claiming a new trial before a Mixed Tribunal, of which it shall determine the composition. ARTICLE IV. The Siamese Government shall hand over to the French Minister at Bangkok or the French frontier authorities all the French, Annamite, and Laotian subjects of. the left bank, as well as the Cambodians detained under any pretext whatever. They shall set no obstacle in the way of the return to the left bank of the former inhabitants of that district. ARTICLE V. The Bam Bien of Tong-Xieng-Kham and his suite shall be brought by a delegate^iOf the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the French Legation, as well as the arms and the French flag seized by the Siamese authorities. ARTICLE VI. The French Government shall continue to occupy Chantaboon until the execution, of the stipulations of the present Convention, and more especially until the complete evacuation and pacification both of the left bank and of the zones designated in Article III of the Treaty of this day's date. _ In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Convention and attached their seals. Done in duplicate at the Palace of Vallabha, at Bangkok, the 3rd October, 1893. (Signed) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR. Inclosure 3 in No. 375. Proces-verbal appended to Convention signed ly the French and Siamese Plenipotentiaries, . October 3, 1893. SON Altesse Royale craint de ne pouvoir evacuer certains postes tres eloign^s a la date du 5 Octobre. II y a des impossibilites materielles. M. Le Myre de Vilers repond qu'il suffira au Gouvernement Siamois de demander un nouveau delai en indiquant les noms des postes et la date extreme. Les autorisations lui seront certainement accordees du moment ou justification sera faite de la n€cessit6 d'un d^lai.; Son Altesse Royale demands si les dispositions de 1' Article II entraineront la demolition d'anciennes fortifications hors d'usage et_ sans emploi militaire depuis des longues ann^es et qui n'ont plus qu'un caract^re historique, telles que I'enceinte du Gouverneur de Battambong, &c. Le Plenipotentiaire repond que par fortifi.cation on entend des ouvrages milltaires susceptibles de defense ; que les enceintes presentant seulement un interet historique ne sont pas visdes. Son Altesse Royale demande ou si^gera le Tribunal d'Appel pourvu k 1' Article III. Le Plenipotentiaire repond que ce sera a Bangkok. Son Altesse Royale demande ce que veut dire le mot " mixta." Le Plenipotentiaire repond qu'il s'agit d'un Tribunal Franco-Siamois. [5911 2 D 202 Son Altesse Royale fait remarquer'que cette disposition a pour consequence de soustraire des sujets Siamois h. lours Juges naturels. Le Pl^nipotentiaire repond que le Siam est un pays de juridiction et que ce n'cst pas une innovation puisqu'il existe deja des Tribunaux Mixtes. Au sujet de 1' Article V de la Convention Son Altesse Koyale fait observer que le Bam Bien doit etre d^j^ rentre sur le territoire Frangais, et que dans ces conditions, il ne lui sera pas possible d'arriver a conduire ce fonctionnaire devant le Ministre Resident de Bangkok. Le Plenipotentiaire Frangais repond que, si le Bam Bien est en territoire Frangais, la clause tombe d'elle-meme. Si 1' Article a ete' maintenu c'est qu'il est n^cessaire que le Gouvernement Siamois justifie de la rentree de ce fonctionnaire. Son Altesse Eoyale aura done, par une note speciale, a faire connaitre le point du territoire oil le Bam Bien a quitte le Siam a fin que Ton puisse constater sa presence. La meme interpretation doit Mre adoptee pour I'interprete et les soldats A nnamites. Dans le cas que le Bam Bien et les autres snjets Frangais seraient encore au Siam, I'Article V serait applicable. Au sujet de I'Article VI, son Altesse Royale le Prince Devawongse demande des explications au sujet du mot de "pacification." Le Plenipotentiaire repond que le Gouvernement Fran9ais a fait cette reserve en vue des troubles ou rebellion qui seraient fomentes par des Siamois. Le Prince craint que, dans ces conditions, on trouve toujours un motif pour declarer que la pacification n'est pas faite, que les Siamois fomentent des troubles. M. Le Myre de Vilers dit que le Traite de Pais et la Convention sont faits de bonne foi ; que ce principe domine I'oeuvre des Plenipotentiaires ; que s'il ^tait conteste, il n'y aurait plus lieu a n^gociation. Le Prince demande s'il pent compter que Chantaboon sera evacue lorsque les troupes Siamoises seront enti^rement retirees. M. Le Myre de Yilers repond negativement. II faut au prealable que le Gouverne- ment Frangais soit certain que le Gouvernement Siamois execute sincferement les dispositions de I'ultimatum. Le Prince demande comment il pourra prouver la sincerite de son Gouvernement pour arriver k I'evacuation. M. Le Myre de Vilers repond que le Gouvernement Francais n'a pas Tintention de conserver Chantaboon ; que son propre int^ret est de hElter I'evacuation pour eviter do lourdes depenses ; que du reste c'est une question de bonne foi. Fait au Palais de Vallabha, a Bangkok, le 3 Octobre, 1893. (Signe) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR. (Translation,) HIS Royal Highness fears he will be unable to evacuate certain very distant posts by the date of the 5th October. There are physical impossibilities in the way. M. Le Myre de Vilers replies that it will be sufficient for the Siamese Governmeut to ask for a fresh delay, giving the names of the posts and the latest date. The authorizations will certainly be accorded as soon as the necessity for delay is justified. His Royal Highness asks if the arrangements under Article II will entail the demolition of ancient fortifications no longer in use and not employed for military purposes for many years, and having a purely historical character, such as the fortified inclosure of the Governor of Battambong, &c. The Plenipotentiary replies that by fortification is meant military works capable of being defended ; fortified inclosures oflTering a purely historic interest are not alluded to. His Royal Highness asks where the Tribunal of Appeal provided for in Article HI is to sit. The Plenipotentiary replies that it will be at Bangkok. His Royal Highness asks what is meant by the word *' mixed." The Plenipotentiary replies that a Franco-Siamese Tribunal is referred to. His Royal Highness calls attention to the fact that the result of this arrangement will be to withdraw Siamese subjects from their natural Judges. The Plenipotentiary replies that Siam is a country in which there is Consular jurisdiction, and that it is no innovation, as there are already Mixed Tribunals there. With respect to Article V of the Convention, His Royal Highness remarks that the Bam Bien has probably already returned to French territory, and in that case it will be 203 i mpossible for him to succeed in bringing that functionary before the Minister Resident at Bangkok. The French Plenipotentiary replies that, if the Barn Bien is in French territory, the clause falls through naturally. The Article has been preserved because it is necessary that the Siamese Government should prove the return of that functionary. His Royal Highness will have therefore to give information, in a special note, of the point at vi^hich the Bam Bien has quitted Siamese territory in order that his presence may be ascertained. The same construction should be taken in the case of the interpreter and the Annamite soldiers. In case the Bam Bien and the other French subjects be still in Siam, Article V will hold good. With respect to Article VI, His Eoyal Highness Prince Devawongse asks for an explanation as to the word " pacification." The Plenipotentiary replies that the French Government has made this reservation in view of the troubles or rebellion which might be fomented by the Siamese. The Prince fears lest, under these circumstances, a motive may always be found for decliiring that the pacification is not accomplished, and that the Siamese are fomenting trouble. M. Le Myre de Vilers says that the Treaty of Peace and the Convention are made in good faith ; that this principle controls the work of the Plenipotentiaries ; that if it were contested there would cease to be any ground for negotiation. The Prince asks if he can count on Chantaboon being evacuated when the Siamese troops are wholly withdrawn. M. Le Myre de Vilers replies in the negative. The French Government must first be certain that the Siamese Government is sincerely carrying out the arrangements of the ultimatum. The Prince asks how he can prove the sincerity of his Government so as to bring about the evacuation. M. Le Myre de Vilers replies that the French Government has no intention of keeping Chantaboon ; that its own interest is to hasten the evacuation in order to avoid heavy expenses ; that it is moreover a question of good faith. Done at the Palace of Vallabha, at Bangkok, the 3rd October, 1893. (Signed) LE MYRE DE VILERS. DEVAWONGSE VAROPRAKAR. No. 376. Prince Svasti to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received November 13.) Siamese Legation, 23, Ashburn Place, London, My Lord, November 11, 1893. I HAVE much pleasure in inclosing, for your Lordship's perusal, copies of four telegrams which have reached me from Siam, on the 29th October, the 4th, 10th, and 11th November, respectively, from which you will learn that the evacuation by my countrymen of the entire left bank of the Mekong River has been completed within the terms agreed upon between my Governinent and that of France. "Will your Lordship permit me to point out that the news contained in the telegram of the 10th November was fifteen days old at the time it was sent to me, whereas the telegram of the 4th November actually gives later news ? I have, &c. (Signed) SVASTI. r Inclosure 1 in No, 376. Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti. (Telegraphic.) Bang Pa In, October 29, 1893. AFTER receipt of a telegram from the Governor-General of Cochin China, M. Pavie sent word to Prince Devawongse, through M. Xavier, that it was reported that the Siamese had already completed the evacuation of Luang Prabang. M. Xavier requested M. Pavie to write, but this has been refused. r69i] 2 D 2 204 Inclosure 2 in No. 376. Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti. . (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 4, 1893. OUE last posts have been evacuated since the 27th October within the terms agreed upon. Inclosure 3 in No. 376. Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti. (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 10, 1893. EVACUATION [of posts] has been completed in Lao Kao. With regard to Lao Phuen, we have received a telegram from Prince Prachaksha, fifteen days ago, which announced that the men withdrawn from the last post were expected to arrive in the course of a few days. With regard to Luang Prabang we have as yet no further report. N.B. — Lao Kao — provinces below Khema^th or Lower Mekong. Lao Phuen = provinces of Nong Kai and above Khemarath or Middle Mekong. Luang Prabang = Upper Mekong Valley. Inclosure 4 in No. 376. Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti. (Telegraphic) Bangkok, November 11, 1893. KEPOET received states that the complete evacuation of the posts everywhere has been eflfected. No. 377. ..,.,. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, November 14, 1893. I HAVE, given my careful attention to the various reports given by Mr. Phipps of the interviews between' the British and French Delegates who have been attempting to .fix the limits of a neutral zone between French and British possessions in, the Indo- Chinese Peninsula, and I am compelled to come to the conclusion that these negotiations have led to little or no result. They have degenerated, not, I think, by the fault of our Representatives, into somewhat petty polemics, and I am of opinion that it is better that your Excellency should personally come to the point with M. Develle. Tou should propose, therefore, an interview with him, in which each, if necessary, might be accompanied by some assessor or expert, and you should then attempt to lay down in a broad and statesmanlike spirit the lines of a national Agreement, which should secure the interests, and not injure the susceptibilities, of either party; With' that object you should suggest that the neutral State be composed of Kyaing Chaing (on both sides of the Mekong), and of the portion of Muang Nan to the north of that river, being bounded on the east by Luang Prabang, and on the west by the Mekong and the frontier between Kyaing Ton and Kyaing Chaing ; that a Commission be appointed to ascertain the real frontier between Muang Nan and Luang Prabang, and to suggest any rectifi.cation of it which would make the neutral State more complete for its purpose, leaving, however, always a minimum breadth of 50 miles ; finally, that in the event of the above being agreed to, Great Britain should engage to preserve inviolable the right of free navigation and transit on the Mekong where it is contiguous to the British dominions. We shall in this way make a contribution of incomparably greater importance to the neutral State than any France will afford. And let me here dismiss the contention of acre for acre, which is not merely unworthy of two great States, but is obviously irrational p itself. Acre for acre is a sufficiently sound basis if the two acres are of 205 equal value, but no one, I presume, would exchange an acre at Charing Cross for an acre in the Highlands, or an acre in the Champs-filysces for an acre in Morocco. What would be given by the French under the proposed arrangement would be a wild, mountainous, and practically unexplored country, over which their rights, such as they are, have only recently been extended, and which they have never visited, much less exei^ised in it the slightest authority. On the other hand, we should give Kyaing Chaing, a recognized State with a recognized capital. We should also give up villages undoubtedly belonging to Kyaing Ton, and we should abandon the complete control of the Mekong, which for some distance is exclusively ours. Less than the extent I have mentioned would not fulfil the purpose in view, nor would it satisfy the Chinese, who have a substantial interest in this question, and who would not improbably decline to undertake the control of a mere strip of territory between our two Empires. I doubt if any French statesman — or any Frenchman — who takes the trouble to understand the subject will hastily reject any such proposition. Should you, however, find, contrary to my expectations, that the French G-overnment are blind to serious advantages, and are prepared rather to take up the line assumed by their subordinates, it would be well, I think, for your Excellency to state that in our recent interviews joh found me of opinion that, if a substantial State was not to be created, but one which would satisfy neither the Chinese nor ourselves, it would be better to abandon the idea of a neutral intermediate State, and content ourselves with maintaining, and actively asserting, our control over the territories already ours. We should then have the control of the Mekong from the south-eastern limits of Kyaiug Ton up to the north of Kyaing Chaing, and we should also have to consider whether we should not preserve those undoubted rights over Kyaing Hung which otherwise we are disposed to cede to China in connection with the Burmah-Chinese frontier negotiations. I need hardly say I should be glad to have from you as soon as may be possible an account of what passes at this interview, together with a reference for further instruc- tions. I am, &c. (Signed) KOSEBERY. No. 378. Foreign Office to the Association of Chambers of Commerce. Sir, Foreign Office, November 13, 1893. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of the Memorial of the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, dated the 3rd instant, containing a copy of a Resolution relating to the protection of British commercial interests in Siam which was passed at the recent autumnar meeting of the Association. I am to convey to you his Lordship's thanks for this communication, and to say that it will receive the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government. 1 am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SAt^DEESO:^". No. 379. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Scott. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, Novembet 14, 1893. REPOET how soon the trial of the persons said to be guilty of the murder of M. Grosgurin may be-expected to take place. No. 380. The Earl of Rosebery to Prince Svasti. gjj. Foreign Office, November 14, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your Eoyal Highness' letter of the 11th instant, inclosing telegrams relative to the evacuation of the Siamese posts on the left bank of the River Mekong. 206 I should be glad to know whether your Royal Highness can give me any information as to the date at which the persons who have been accused by the French Government of the murder of M. Grosgurin may be expected to arrive at Bangkok. I have, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERT. No. 381. Prince Svasti to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received November 15.) Siamese Legation, 23, Ashbwn Place, London, My Lord, November 15, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's inquiry of yesterday's date, in reply to which I beg to inform you that I have already telegraphed to my Government for the information desixed by your Lordship, and that I am in hopes of receiving their reply in a day or two. I shall not fail to communicate with your Lordship as soon as it reaches me. I have, &c. I (Signed) SVASTI. No. 382. Mr. Scott to the Earl of Rosebery. -^{Received November 16.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 16, 1893. IN answer to your Lordship's telegram of the 14th instant, I have the honour to state that the persons concerned in the murder of Inspector Grosgurin will be tried as soon as they arrive here. , Travelling is difficult owing to the rains, but they are expected before the end of this month. No. 383. Prince Bidyalabh to Prince Svasti. — (Communicated by Prince Svasti, November 17.) (Telegraphic.) Bangkok, November 17, 1893. PHRA YOD MUANG KWANG and the accused are expected to arrive at the end of this month. The trial will take place upon their arrival, and the Tribunal will be properly constituted. No. 384. Admiralty to Foreign Ofice. — (Received November 18.) Sir, Admiralty, November 16, 1893. I AM commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State, copy of a letter from Captain Macleod, of Her Majesty's ship "Pallas," dated the 22nd August last, with reference to the proceedings of the Erench in Siam. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOR. Inclosure in No. 384. Captain MacLeod to Vice-Admiral Sir E. Fremantle. Sir, " Pallas," at Singapore, August 22, 1893. I HAVE the honour to report, upon the return of Her Majesty's ship under my command to Singapore, the due completion of all orders (transmitted to me from time 207 to time) in regard to the protection of British, German, and Danish subjects and their interests at Bangkok during the period of strained relations existing recently between Prance and Siam. 2. The Prench Eear- Admiral in his jBLag-ship, accompanied by the vessels belonging to the squadron of the Par East, sailed for Saigon on the 10th instant, leaving the Indo-Chinese " Lutin " and " Alouette " to carry out naval duties required in the service of the Prench Legation at Bangkok, and in the temporary occupation of Chantaboon forts. 3. On the day previous to my departure the Prench paddle-aviso " Alouette " came out to the bar to meet and send up the gun-vessel •' Papin " then due, with M. Le Myre de Vilers (the Prench Minister Plenipotentiary) on board, who has been directed to assist M. Pavie in concluding the arrangements for settling the details necessitated by the Siamese acceptance of the terms of the ultimatum. 4. Before leaving Bangkok I was assured on the best authority that, owing to the short duration of the blockade, and the prudent action of the principal mill-owners in paying their coolies enough to enable them to keep themselves fed, so that the men were ready to resume work directly the blockade was raised, trade was not seriously affected. The effect of the temporary cessation of traffic was simply an accumulation of material, which resulted in a corresponding increase of output as soon as freight offered again. 5. But little time was lost by the active centres of commerce in Singapore and Hong Kong in dispatching steamers as usual immediately upon receipt of the telegraphic news that Bangkok was open, and numerous arrivals took place even before we started, so that I may say trade was once more in full swing. 6. As regards navigation, the pilot dep6t-schooner, withdrawn up the river after the hostilities, was out again in her usual anchorage, and I believe arrangements were being made for the proper exhibition of the bar light which had altogether failed for a considerable time. I learned from a reliable source that whatever may be decided upon as to the removal of some of the sunken ships, it is almost certain that a portion will remain where they are, to form the basis of a defensive plan for narrowing that part of the stream. That a change in the present channel and in the river approaches will take place, especially now the freshets are growing in strength, is only to be expected, and I think the Government of His Majesty the King would do well to settle the question, with the aid of thoroughly expert engineers, at their earliest convenience, as the permanent solution of certain problems connected therewith is of vital importance to Siam, affecting as it does both the defensive and commercial features of the approaches to the capital. I have, &c. (Signed) ANGUS MacLEOD. ] No. 385. South of Scotland Chamber of Commerce to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received November 21.) My Lord, Galashiels, November 20, 1893. I AM directed to transmit a copy of a Eesolution unanimously adopted by a meeting of the Council of this Chamber held upon the 25th ultimo upon the subject of trade between this country and Siam, and the effect thereupon by the aggression by Prance. I have, &c. (Signed) BICHAED LEES, Secretary. Inclosure in No. 385. Resolution. THAT the South of Scotland Chamber of Commerce views with alarm and dismay the action of Prance, whereby one-third of our market with Siam has been closed to the trade of this country and of our Colonies and possessions by French aggression, and whereby the remainder of our market in that country and our 208 J)i?ospective trade with the 100,000,000 inhabitants of South-west China is now imperilled. This Chamber fervently hopes that Her Majesty's Government will resolutely resist further Prench encroachment upon our markets in the Far East ; and that, in making arrangements for the neutral zone between the British Shan States arid Tonquin, they will take such action as will definitely seciire within our sphere of influence the railway routes from the Burmese seaboard to the Chinese frontier-post of Ssumao. This Chamber considers that, unless these railway routes to Ssumao are kept free for British trade to enter South-west China, our trade with that important market will be restricted to the Chinese Shan States in the Alpine and sparsely-populated regions in I the basins of the Irrawaddy and Salween E-ivers. No. 386. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl ofRo^ebery. — {Received November 22.) My Lord, Paris, November 11, 1893. : I HAVE just had a very satisfactory interview with M. Develle. He was good enough again to give me the most positive assurances in regard to the policy of France In Indo-China, and he was most anxious that you should be convinced of the perfect loyalty with which he was acting. He said tha,t the differences between France and Siam. were now on the point of being closed. Siam was rapidly fulfilling her Treaty obligations ; the left bank of the Mekong, he believed, was already evacuated, and the only matter which really remained unsettled was the punishment of the murderers of M., Grosgurin. According to the promise made to me at a previous interview, he had lelegraphed to the French Representative at Bangkok to impress upon the Siamese Government the necessity of hastening the trial in order that an early date might be fixed for; the evacuation of Chantaboon. There was not the slightest intention of yet^ining the French troops at that place, and the moment the Siamese Government ghould have fulfilled its present engagements they would be withdrawn. I His Excellency then went on to speak of the desire of Her Majesty's Govern- ment for the placing of Siam under mutual guarantee. He considered that such an arringement would be most advantageous. It would be the surest way of avoiding jn the future all chances of conflict or misunderstanding. " In short," he added, " I desi^re to renew the assurances I have already given you that the moment the Franco- Siamese Treaty is executed, I shall be quite ready to consult with you on the exact terms in which, a reciprocal engagement to that effect may be most conveniently / embodied." The foregoing is but a short resume of what passed between me and his Exdellency, but your Lordship may consider it as an absolutely exact and almost literal reproduction of M. Develle's promises in regard to the proximate evacuation of Chantaboon, and the eventual neutralization of the Kingdom of Siam. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. I No. 387. The Earl of Eosebery to the Marquis of Duferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, November 26, 1893. I HAVE received your Excellency's telegram* informing me of the two draft [protocols proposed by the Frfehch Government with regard to the constitution of a buffer State between the British and French possessions in the neighbourhood of the Upper Mekong. Your Excellency should endeavour to obtain a modification providing for the participation^ China in the delimitation of the neutral State. But if this should be objected to by the French Government yciu are authorized to sign the Protocols as they stand. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBEE-T. * See No. 389. 209 No. 388. Foreign Office to South of Scotland Chamber of Commerce. Sir. ^ Foreign Office, November 27, 1S93. I AM directed by the Earl of Rosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, forwarding a copy of a Resolution adopted by a meeting of the Council of the South of Scotland Chamber of Commerce respecting recent events in Siam and their bearing on British commercial interests. I am to say, in reply, that this question is receiving the close attention of Her Majesty's Government. I am, &c. (Signed) T. H. SANDERSON. No. 389. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery.* — {Received December 2.) My Lord, Paris, November 20, 1893. ^ I HAVE the honour to transmit two Protocols, which the French Government have asked me to submit to your Lordship, in jffiferenca to. the_ constitution of a buiFer State between Jhe possessions of Her Majesty and of the Republic in Indo-CBina. , They are the result of the discussions between the French and English Commissioners and between M. Develle and myself. The first Protocol is to be signed by the Commissioners, and the second by the Minister and me. In the first, the Commissioners recommend the appointment of a Commission of local experts to verify on the spot the leading geographical and political characteristics of the territory which it is proposed to deal with. In the second, M. Develle knd I accept the foregoing suggestion, and further agree to a breadth of 50 miles from east to west as the leading principle to be adhered to in the constitution of the buffer State ; at the same time, that the experts are to examine how the political boundaries of the neighbouring provinces can be best rendered conformable to this desideratum. The documents in question have only this moment reached my hand ; consequently, I have had no time to examine their wording with any minuteness, having only heard them read out in M. Develle's room ; but I send them at once to your Lordship by the bag which is just closing, having told M. Develle that I could do no more than promise to submit them to your Lordship's consideration, accompanied by the opinion that, at all events, they seemed to me to contain the germs of an agreement. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. Inclosure 1 in No. 389. Draft Protocol. LES Soussign^s, d^sign^s par leurs Gouvernements respectifs pour examiner de quell raani^re pourrait 6tre constituee, au moyen de contributions reciproques, une zone inter mediaire entre les possessions Fran9aises et Anglaises dans la region du Haut- M^kong; S'^tant trouves arretes, aux cours de leurs travaux, par la difficulte de determiner, d'aprfes des donnees certaines, les limites et la configuration geographique des diverses provinces situees dans cette region, Ont reconnu, d'un commun accord, que, pour dtablir dans des conditions g^ogra- phiques normales, et sans occasionner de morcellement, une zone d'une etendue suffisante, il conviendrait de faire proceder h une enqufite sur place par des agents techniques des deux pays. f Substance telegraphecl 2iX) Inclosure 2 in No. 389. Drafts Protocol. LES Soussign^s^ ayant pris connaissance du Protocole en date du sign6 par les Commissaires Frap^ais et Apglais^ et y ayant donne leur approbation, ont reconnu, d'un commun accord, que les agents techniques designes pour se rendre sur le Haut-Mdkong ne devront pas perdre de vue les pointg suivg,nts : — 1. L'examen geographique auquel ils auront a se livrer, portera sgr le cours dli Mekong, depuis son entree dans le Xieng-Kheng jusqu'k son entree dans le Luang- Prabang ; sur les limites de la Province de Xieng-Kheng, et sur celles de la pgrtie de Nan au nord du fleuve, 2. La largeur que leg deux Pqissapcea Contractantes se proposent de donner a la z6ne intermediaire entre les possessions Fran5aises et Anglaises, est, dans la mesure ou la configyration geqgraphiqae et politique du pays le perjjjettrs, de 80 kilora. de roarche, environ. Les agents techniques devront noter soigneusement quelles limites geogra- phiques et politiques atteindraient le mieux ce but. 3. II est entendu que la navigation, le transit, et les moyens de communication seront libres de toute entrave dans la zone ainsi constitute, chacune des Parties Contractantes s'engageant a ne rechercher aucun avantage, qui ne^soit egalement assure h. I'autre. No. 390. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Eosebery. -^(Received December Q.) (Extract.) Paris, November 21, 1893. IMMEDIATELY upon my return from London I vvaited upon M. Develle at his Excellency's own request, and in accordance with the instructions contained in your Lordship's ! despatch of the 14th instant in relation to the" configuration of the proposed buffer State, I gave him to understand that, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, there was little advantage in allowmg our Commissioners to continue the purposeless wrangle in which they had become involved, not, as your Lordship considered, through the fault of our Representatives. The principle put forward by Messrs. Jusserand and Revoil that the French contribution to the buffer State should correspond exactly acre for acre to the Province of Kyaing Chaing was altogether unreasonable. Kjj^aing Chaing was an organized State, with a capital of its own, and a more or less civilized )3opulatioq, whereas the territory which Finance proposed to cede consisted pf the barren flanks of high rnountains, frequented by a few nomad families, and, if M. Pavie's Map was to be our guide, with scarcely a village from one end of it to the other. More- over, I added, the French Commissioners were always calling upon us to show our title to Kyaing Chaing, which was an inadmissible demand. To continue the negotiations under these conditions was evidently a waste of time. We had proposed the buffer State in the interests of both countries, for it was evident that if our boundaries were contiguous any fussy or ill-conditioned frontier officer, whether French or English, would have it in his power to magnify every petty incident into a grave international question, which would be transferred to Europe, and thus grow into a cause of exacerbation between the two Governments, whereas, if a country like China were in the occupation of the intermediate tej-ritory, neither England nor France would ever hear a word of any little troubles of the sort, which would be settled to the satisfaction of every one concerned, according to the customs of the country. But unless France would agree to a reasonable and statesmanlike plan, Her Majesty's Government would intinitely prefer the status quo. It is true, in that event, we should be compelled to assert our domination over Kyaing Chaing and on both sides of the Mekong in a more active and effective manner than had hitherto been found necessary, for our position in India was such that any- thing approaching to disputed jurisdiction along our frontier could not be tolerated. Under these circumstances, it was evident that our present conversation was of a somewhat critical nature. In the opinion of your Lordship, such a narrow tongue of land as was suggested by the French Commissioners would be useless for the purpose we had in view ; nor could we decently ask China to take charge of so inconveniently shaped an appendage. The breadth of the desired zone should be at least 50 miles. An area short of this would be in manifest contradiction both to the letter and to the spirit of our ojrigin^l Protocol, ^11 M. DetfeUe replied that he Entirely recognized, and had always done so, the utifity of & tieutral zone between the Indian possessions of B^Majesty andjhose of France in Irido-China. The contemplated arrangement wotild undoubtedly be advantagedus to both countries ; nor did he dispute the desirability of interposing such a breadth of neutratl , territory as your Lordship had recommended. But in endeavouring to reach this result the French Government was precluded by many considerations from dismembering Luang Prabang. The integrity of Luang Prabang was as valid and reasonable a cause of eoUcitude to France as the itltegiity of Eyaing Ton was to us ; nor would the French Chambei's or Fre&ch pdbhc opinion tolerate its disintegration. He thought, however, in the first place, that when^the Commission of Experts examined the question on the spot, it Would be found that the necessary area could be obtained without seriously infringing the boundary of that province. Its western frontier was at present uncertain, and there probably would be no difficulty in delimitating it in such a manner as to secure the result We both desired, namely, a substantial buffer. He then said that he would explain his views to the French Commissioners, and he suggested that the Commission should meet the next day. I replied that your Lordship considered that the best chance of reaching an understanding was by dispensing with the Commission, but if his Excellency thought their fneeting once more \<-ould be productive of good, I was quite ready to consent, upon the understanding that, if our Eepresentatives could not come to a final understanding, they should adjourn to M. Develle's room, and that he and I should ourselves endeavour to cut the Gordian knot. In this mode of proceeding M. Develle was good enough to acquiesce. On the evening of the next day but one I waited upon M, Develle, when he again assured me that he was most anxious to come to such a settlement as would satisfy our requirements, Sliortly afterwards the four Commissioners entered the room, and, after some farther debate, M. Revoil retired, and eventually brought back to us two Protocols — one of which he proposed shottid be signed by the four Commissioners^-the gist of which was a recommendation that a lofcal Commission' of Surveyors should conduct the geographical examiniation of the districts OTit of which it was proposed the buffer State should be constructed, arid the" other a Protocof, to be signed by M. Develle and myself, in which it was laid down as a leading principle that the buffer State should contain a width of 60 rtileSj accompanied by a recommendation that the experts should examine how far the existing local lines of political demarcation were adaptable to this principle. It being theri very near post time, I had no opportunity of considering these proposals esfcept in a very cursory manner ; but on the face of them they appeared to me a grea4? improvement upofl what had been previously suggested. The acre for acre principle had beeh abandoned, and a buffer State of at least 50 miles broad was indicated as the chief desideratum. No question was raised as to our rights in Kyaing Chaing ; and Kyaing' Ton, except so far as its trans-Mekong villages are concerned, was recognized as l\'ing outside of the territory it is proposed to neutralize. I told M. Develle, after the proposed Protocols had been read, that I shoitld not object to forw^fd therti the saflie riight to your Lordship for consideration ; bM that, there not being time to exafli'ine their exact wording, I could not myself say mote than that they appeared to riie t6 c6lita;in the gerrtis of a possible agreement. In fact, the documents did not reach trie last night till just in time for the post, and I was therefoi^e' #Miged to send thetri^ on ttf yotir Lordship under a simple coverer, withoOt further examination, and unaccompanied by any commentsv I cannot conclude this despatch without expressing to your Lordship my sense of obligation to Mr. Phipps and Mr. Lee for the patience, tact, and ability with which they conducted their discussions with the French Commissioners, who,- they tell me, on their side, evinced perfect politeness. Mr. Phipps' painstaking Eeports of the proceedings will already have conveyed to your Lordship's mind an idea of the intricate characfei' of tBeir debates* No. 391. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery — {Received December 4.) My Lord, Paris, December' t, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewith the original of the Protocol signed by the Representatives of this Embassy and of the French Foreign Office, to whom was delegated the task of determining the configuration of the neutral zone' which, in accordance with the terms of the Protocol of the 25th November, sigfted hy M. Develle and ravself, is to be constituted between Her Majesty's and the French [591] ' 3 E 2 212 Republic's possessions in Indo-China. As your Lordship will observe, the Protocol in question recommends that a Technical Commission should be appointed with the view of ascertaining the geographical and political features of the area it is intended to neutralize. I also inclose a second Protocol, signed by M. Develle and myself, which lays down as the leading principle of the proposed delimitation that the territory in question should comprise a breadth of not less than 50 miles between its eastern and western boundaries, accompanied by a recommendation that the Technical Commission should examine how the existing geographical and political characteristics of this region can be most con- veniently harmonized with the foregoing desideratum. The Protocol also contains a reciprocal engagement precluding either Power from seeking to obtain exclusive advantages to the detriment of the other within the State to be thus constituted. I also append two notes which have been exchanged between M. Develle and myself, in which an assurance is conveyed that neither England nor France has any intention of seeking to monopolize the rights of transit, whether by land or by water, through the province of Kyaing Hung. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. Inclosure I in No. 391. Protocol signed by the French and English Delegates for the discussion of the Buffer State on the Upper Mekong. THE Undersigned, named by their re- spective Governments, in order to examine in what manner, by means of reciprocal contributions, an intermediary zone might be constituted between the British and French possessions in the region of the Upper Mekong ; Being arrested in the course of their labours by the difficulty of determining, according to positive data, the limits and the geographical configuration of the dif- ferent provinces situated in that region ; Have recognized, by common agreement, that in order to establish, under normal geographical conditions and without causing disintegration, a zone of sufficient extent, it would be desirable to proceed to an in- quiry on the spot by Technical Agents of the two countries. (Signed) E. C. H. PHIPPS. H. AUSTIN LEE. LES Soussign^s, ddsignes par leurs Gouvernements respectifs pour examiner de quelle raani^re pourrait itre constitute, au moyen de contributions reciproques, una z6ne interm^diaire entre les possessions Franfaises et Anglaises dans la region du Haut-M^kong ; S'etant trouv^s arret^s, au cours de leurs travaux, par la difficult^ de determiner, d'aprfes des donn^es certaines, les limites et la configuration geographique des diverses provinces situees dans cette region ; Ont reconnu, d'un commun accord, que, pour etablir, dans des conditions geo- graphiques normales et sans occasionner de morcellement, une z6ne d'une dtendue suffisante, il conviendrait de faire proc^der k une enqu^te sur place, par des Agents Techniques des deux pays. Fait h Paris, le 25 Novembre, 1893. (Sign^) JUSSERAND. PAUL REVOIL. Inclosure 2 in No. 391. Protocol signed by the Marquis of Dufferin and M. Develle. THE Undersigned, haying taken cog- nizance of the Protocol signed by the English and French Commissioners on this day, and having approved it, have recog- nized, by common agreement, that the Technical Agents designated to proceed to the Upper Mekong should not lose sight of the following points : — I. The geographical examination which they will have to undertake will deal with the course of the Mekong from its entry into Kyaing Chaing until its entry into Luang Prabang, with the limits of the Pro- LES Soussignds, ayant pris connaissance du Protocole en date de ce jour signe par les Comraissaires Fran9ais et Anglais, et y ayant donne leur approbation, ont reconnu, d'un commun accord, que les Agents Techniques designes pour se rendre sur le Haut-Mekong ne devront pas perdre de vue les points suivants : — 1. L'examen geographique auquel ils devront se liyrer, portera sur le cours du M(^kong, depuis son entree dans le Kieng- Kheng jusqu'^ son entree dans le Luang- Prabang ; sur les limites de la Province de 213 vince of Kj-aing Chaing, and with those of Kieng-Kheng, et sur celles de la partie de that portion of Muang Nan which lies to Nan au nord du fleuve. the north of the river. 2. The breadth which the two Contract- 2, La largeur que les deux Puissances ing Powers propose to give to the inter- Contractantes se proposent de donner h la raediary zone between the British and z6ne inter me'diaire entre les possessions French possessions is, in so far as the Frangaises et Anglaises est, dans la mesure geographical and political configuration of ou la configuration g^ographique et poli- the country will allow, to be about 80 super- tique du pays le permettra de 80 kilom. de ficial kilometres. The Technical Agents marche, environ. Les Agents Techniques shall note carefully what geographical and devront noter soigneusement quelles limites political limits would best attain this object, g^ographiques et politiques atteindraient le raieux ce but. 3. It is agreed that the navigation, 3. II est entendu que la navigation, le transit, and means of communication in the transit et les moyens de communication zone thus constituted shall be free from seront hbres de toute entrave dans la z6ne every impediment, each of the Contracting ainsi constitute, chacune des Parties Con- Parties undertaking not to seek any advan- tractantes s'engageant a ne rechercher aucun tage which is not equally secured to the avantage qui ne soit ^galement assort h fither. I'autre. Fait k Paris, le 25 Novembre 1893. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. (Sign^) JULES DEVELLE. Inclosure 3 in No. 391. The Marquis of Dufferin to M. Develle. My dear M. Develle, Paris, December 1, 1893. IN answer to the question that you were good enough to address to me on Tuesday, with reference to the rumour that we had come to an agreement with China concerning the State of Kyaing Hung, I beg to inform you that at present no such Treaty has been signed, and that we have no intention of seeking to obtain any monopoly, either for railways, Steam-boat Companies, or any other mode of transit or communication, to the detriment of any similar French commercial undertakings. It is understood that in the above respects the field is left as open to French as to English enterprise. In acknowledging the receipt of tliis note, perhaps you will kindly intimate the wiUingness of the French Government to accede to a reciprocal engagement. Believe me, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. Inclosure 4 in No. 391, M. Develle to the Marquis of Dufferin, Cher Lord Dufferin, Paris, le 1" De'cembre, 1893. VOUS avez bien voulu me faire savoir, par votre lettre de ce jour, qu'aucun Traits n'a 6\.6 signe, jusqu'ici, entre la Grande-Bretagne et la Chine, au sujet de I'Stat de Kieng Hung, et que I'Angleterre n'a nullement I'intention de chercher a obtenir aucun monopole, soit pour les chemins-de-fer ou Compagnies de Navigation, soit pour tout autre mode de transit ou communication, au detriment d'entreprises commerciales Frangaises de menie ordre. II est entendu que le champ devra demeurer libre, a cet ^gard, pour les entreprises Frangaises et Anglaises. Je m'empresse de vous accuser reception de cette communication, dont je prends acte bien volontiers. E^ciproquement et conformement h votre demande, j'ai I'honneur de vous faire savuir que la delimitation des possessions Frangaises, du c6te de Kieng Hung, n'a pas encore ^te faite, mais que, dans les -negociations que le Gouverneraent de la E^publique aura k suivre, a ce sujet, avec le Gouvernement Chinois, il compte se guider d'aprls les principes m6mes que vous avez bien voulu enoncer dans votre lettre de ce jour, et auxquels je ne peux qu'adherer sans reserve. Agreez, &c. (Signe) J. DEVELLE. 214 (Translation.) Dear Lord Dufferin, Paris, December 1, 1893. YOU were good enough to inform me in your letter of to-day that no Treaty has yet been signed between Great Britain and China on the subject of the State of Kyaing Hung, and that England has no intention of seeking to obtain any monopoly, either for railways^ Steam-boat Companies, or any other mode of transit or communication, to the detriment of Fi?ench commercial enterprises of the same kind. It is understood that, in this respect, the field will be left open to French and English enterprise. I hasten to acknowledge the reception of this communication, of which I gladly take note. In return, and in accordance with your request, I have the honour to inform you that th& delimitation of the French possessions on the side of Kyaing Hung has not yet been made, but that, in the negotiations on this subject which the Government of the Republic will have to carry on with the Chinese Government, they intend to be guided by the same piinciples as are laid down by you in your note of to-day, to which I have only to adhere without reserve. Receive, &c. (Signed) J. DEVELLE. Ko. 392. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, December 7, 1893. I HAVE received and laid before the Queen your Excellency's despatches of the 20th and 21st ultimo, giving an account of your negotiations with regard to the neutral State to be constituted between the British and French possessions in the vicinity of the Upper Mekong. I iave also received stnct laid before Her Majesty your Excellency's despatch of the 1st instant, forwarding copies of the Protocols signed and of the Botes exchanged between your Excellency and M. Develle on this question. I have pleasure in conveying to your Excellency the entire approval of Her Majesty's Government, and their satisfaction at the arrangement which you have concluded, The object of the two Governments has been to remove^ as far as possible, all risk of irritating questions and subjects of dispute arising on their frontiers in these regiona. The settlement which is sketched out in the Protocol signed by you and M. Develle seems well calculated to secure that end. Her Majesty's Government feel that ibis result- is largely due to the ability with which you have carried on the negotiations, and to the statesmanlike a-nd concilia.tory disposition in which M. Develle has treated the matter. I note with much pleasure- your favourable mention of the manner in which Mr. Phipps and Mr. Lee have conducted the discussions in the Commission charged to examine the subject, and I request you to convey to them the expression of my approval. I am, &e. (Signed) ROSEBERY. '- .. • I r j_ I • r f r [•• f • fi m ' No. 393. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, December 8, 1 893. EXPERTS inform me that if the Joint Commission for the examination of the limits of the buffer State does not start immediately and terminate its labours before the month of May, it will be necessary to wait until November next. As soon as the French Government are ready, Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to send Mr. Scott, now Her Majesty's Charg6 d'A!ffaire& at Bangkok, as their Commissioner. .diliM(ito_>HaMH 215 No, 394. Thi^ Marquis qfDuferin to th Earl of Rosebery.-^{Rpcemd December U.) My Lord, Paris, December 9, 1893. I HAV-B tte hQUOur to transmit herewitli to your Lordship copy of a note which I have addressed to M. Casimir-Perier, Prench Minister for Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the terms of your Lordship's telegram of the 8th instant, urging upon his Excellency the importance of the early appointment of a French Delegate to examine with Mr. Scott, British Commissioner, and Her Majesty's Gharg/i d'Afl^ires at Bangkok, the neutral State to be constituted between the British and French possessions iu Indq-China, I have, &G. (Signed) DXJFFERIN and AVA. Inclosure in No. 394. The Marquis of Djifferin to M. Casimir-Perier. M. ie President du Conseil, Paris, December 9, 1893. ACCORDING to information reeeived by Her Majesty's Government from experts acquainted with the local conditions, it appears that unless the Commissioners appointed to examine the proposed neutral State, to be formed in accordance with the terms of the Protocol signed by your predecessor and myself on the 25th ultimo, are ready to start at Qpce and to cpniplete their work before the month of May of next year, it Tvjll be necessary to delay the examination until the following month of Jfoyenjber. I have therefore been instructed by Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Fpreign Affairs to inform your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government are prepared to send forth^yith Mr. Scott, Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Bangkok, to act as British Delegate on the proposed Cojnmission, and I trust that your Excellency will be in a position to inform me .that the Government of the French Bepiiblic are prepared on their side to appoint at once a Delegate in order that no delay may take place in carrying out the terms of the Agreement cQpie to betweeii the two Govern- |nent§f , I may mention that M. Develle himself suggested that no time i^hould be lost in the matter, and I accordingly wrote in that sense tq Lord B^os^bery- , I have, &e. (Signed) DUFFEBIN and AYA. No. 395. TAp Mfivqw qf Duferin to the Earl of Rosebery>-^^{Beeeived December 12.) My Lord, Paris, December 11, 1893. WITH reference to my despatch of the 9tlj instant, I have the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship copy of a note which I have received from M. Casimir-Perier, in which his Excellency states that he hopes shortly to be in a position to reply to my inquiry as to the appointment of a French Delegate on the Commission to examine into the proposed buffer State, I haye, &o. (Signed) DUFFEBIN and AVA. Inclosure in No. 395, M. Casimir-Perier to the Marquis of Dufferin. M. I'Ambassadeur, Paris, le 9 De'cmbvei, 1893, J'AI rhopnqur d'^pcuser reception a votre Excellence de sa eommunieation de ee jour ??elative a la composition de'la Commission Technique qm doit se rendre 8ur le Haut-M6kong. 216 J'en ai imm^diatement fait part a M. le Sous- Secretaire d'etat des Colonies que j'avais, d'ailleurs, entretenu d^ja de la question. J'esp^re 6tre incessamment en mesure de r^pondre a la demande dont vous avez bien voulu me saisir. Agr6ez, &c. (Sisn6) CASIMIR-PERIER. (Translation.) M. I'Ambassadeur, Paris, December 9, 1893. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's communication of to-day's date, respecting the composition of the Technical Commission which is to proceed to the Upper Mekong. I communicated it at once to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, with whom I had, moreover, already discussed the question. I hope shortly to be in a position to reply to the question which you were good enough to address to me. I have, &c. (Signed) CASIMIR-PERIER. No. 396. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin, My Lord, Foreign Office, December 15, 1893. MY attention has been drawn to one of the extracts from the French press forwarded by your Excellency on the 10th instant, in which it is stated positively that on the 16th July, 1884, Lord Lyons, then Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, announced to M. Jules Perry that all the Shan States situated on either bank of the Mekong were admitted by the British Government to be within the Prench sphere of influence.* Lord Lyons' report of his interview with M. Jules Perry on the date in question was laid before Parliament in 1886 in a Blue Book respecting Burmah. I inclose a copy of the despatch herewith, for convenience of reference. It will be seen that, so far from Lord Lyons having made any admission of this kind, his Excellency stated that he was unable to understand how there could be any questions of neighbourhood (" voisinage ") between Prance and Burmah, and that so far from asserting that the claims of Tonquin or Annam extended to the Mekong, M. Jules Perry explained that such questions of neighbourhood might arise in consequeilce of the claims of Burmah to suzerainty over territories on the left bank of that river. This view is in entire accordance with the information contained in the Prench official Map of Indo-China of 1881, revised and republished by the Prench Minister of War in 1886, in which the " Pronti^re d' Annam d'apr^s les Cartes Annamites " is • Extract from the "Happel" of December 10, 1893. Avant de quitter le pouvoir, M. Develle, Ministre des Affaires ^trangSres, a conclu, parait-il, avec Lord Dufferin, une Convention adoptant, en principe, la creation d'un fitat-tarapon entre I'lndo-Chine et la Birmanie Britannique. Les limites de cet Etat seraient encore a diterrainer. 11 semble toutefois que les Anglais aient voulu revendiquer un droit de souverainete sur uiie partie des fitats Shans s'6tendant sur la rive gauche du MSkonff. Notre Gouvernement n'aurait pas accepte de reconnaitre ces pretentions. Bref, il aurait 6t6 decide qu'une Comniission Mixte se rendrait sur les lieux, et dresserait une carte du Haut-M6kong avant de fixer la situation et la limite de I'fitat-tampon. De plus, les deux Puissances auraient admis que le territoire de Xien-Kong depend de I'Empire Chinois. C'est ainsi que se presente aujourd'hui la question de I'liltat-tampon. II ne s'agit point, on le voit, d'en confier, meme Sventuellement, I'administration k la Chine. Eh bien. Si M. Develle a signg une telle Convention, il est permis d'aflSrmer qu'il a commis un singulier acte de faiblesse, et qu'il n'a lenu aucun compte, ni des declarations faites par I'Angleterre en 1884 I, M. Jules Ferry, a ce moment Ministre des Affaires fitrang^res, ni du Traite da 8 Octobre dernier avec le Siam. Le 16 Juillet, 1884, je precise, Lord Lyons, Ambassadeur d'Angleterre, annonfait h, M. Jules Ferry que tons les Etats Shans situes sur les deux rives du Mekong etaietit compris dans la sphere d'influence Francaise de I'aveu du Gouvernement Britannique. Neuf annees plus tard, apres avoir reconnu notre droit de snzerainet6, I'Angleterre revendique les Irois quarts des Etats Shans, et declare que I'autre part est au Siam, auqucl elle I'a c6de, bien que ne lui appartenant pas, en echange de la rive gauche de la Salouen, et a condition que le.Siani ne le retr6c6derait k personne. C'est-a-dire que I'Angleterre cherche ^ soustraire a notre action la totality des fitats Shans, et M. Develle a admis cela, au m^pris de nos droits, a conc6d6 le principe d'un £!tat-taapoq, a conclu une Convention sur ces b^ses, 217 drawn some 20 miles to the east of the Nam-U, while the territories between the Nam-U and Mekong are described as " tributaires de Birmanie et de Siam." I do not suppose that the very obvious mis-statement which I have alluded to will mislead the French Government, who must have the documents at hand. But it may be useful to your Excellency to have the means of positively contradicting it, should the opportunity present itself. , I am, &c. (JSigned) EOSEBERY. Inclosure in No. 396. Viscount Lyons to Earl Granville. My Lord, Paris, July 16, 1884. I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship that again, this afternoon, I spoke to M. Jules Eerry of the desire of Her Majesty's Government to receive from the Erench Government a promise that the functions of any Erench Agent, who might be appointed under the Eranco-Burmese Treaty of 1873, shall be of a purely com- mercial, and not in any sense of a political, character. M. Jules Eerry, after adverting to the pro-memorid which I put into his hand, observed that it was necessary to go a little towards the bottom of things. The Treaty contained a stipulation that each party was free to accredit Diplomatic and Consular of&cers to the other. The present intention of the Erench Government was to station only a Consul in Burmah, but, after all, the title given to the Agent was not really a matter of much .consequence. It would be impossible to draw an exact line between political and commercial functions. In practice, the Agent, whatever title he might bear, must deal with general questions between the two countries. Eor instance, there might be questions of neighbourhood ("voisinage"). On my confessing that I was unable to understand how there could be any questions of that kind between Erance and Burmah, M. Eerry said that there were territories on the left of the Biver Mekong over which Burmah claimed suzerain rights, although she did not, he believed, exercise any practical authority over them. M. Eerry went on to say that he was anxious to remove any doubts or misgivings which might exist either in India or England respecting the scope and object of the negotiations between the Erench and Burmese Governments. It was, he told me, quite true that the Burmese desired to throw themselves into the arms of Erance, but the Erench Government were determined not to accept any offers of this kind. They had no intention of forming with Burmah an alliance defensive and offensive, or any alliance whatever of a special character. All they desired was to establish friendly intercourse and commercial relations on a proper basis. There were no secret communications going on. There was no question of any secret Treaty. The Burmese asked, indeed, many things, and particularly demanded facilities for procuring arms, but to all such requests the Erench Govern- ment turned a deaf ear. They were simply engaged in making an ordinary Treaty, with such stipulations as were usual and necessary in order to insure the safety of Europeans in Eastern countries. In answer to a question which I put to him, M. Jules Eerry said that he distinctly authorized me to give your Lordship an assurance from him that Erance did not contemplate making any special political alliance with Burmah. I am, &c. (Signed) LYONS. No. 397. Sieh Ta-jen to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received December 19.) My Lord, Chinese Legation, December 16, 1893. I AM instructed by the Tsung-li Yam,6n to inform your Lordship that the Imperial Government, being extremely desirous of maintaining the independence and the terri- torial integrity of the Kingdom of Siam, have learned with the most lively satisfaction that such was also the wish of the Governments of England and Erance; and, further, that they would be prepared to join them in any measures they may be pleased to take with the view of securing these objects. [591] 2r 218 As regards the buffer State which it is loroposed to establish between the British and the French possessions on the Upper Mekong, and which your Lordship has been good enough to say Her Majesty's Government .are desirous of placing under the sovereignty of China, I have the honour to state that in the event of its being of sufficient breadth, and the conditions attached to its acceptance free from any which, in the opinion of the Imperial Grovernment, would be prejudicial to Chinese interests, they would be prepared to accept it if formally offered them. As the buffer State will, on its northern side at least, necessarily be conterminous with Kiang Hung — the southern limit of which has never been clearly defined — the Imperial Government think that, apart from the question of its control, China ought to be represented on any Commission which may be appointed to delimitate it ; and that reasons of expediency would seem to recommend the adoption of the Jtfam-U as its eastern boundary. Until it emerges from Meung-U, one of the territorial divisions of Kiang Hung, the Nam-U is altogether a Chinese river, and, for some distance lower down, the right bank of it still belongs to China : so, were the Nam-U taken for the eastern limit of the buffer State, and the latter given to China, the difficult task of delimitating the frontier between it and Kiang Hung would be much simplified, should a delimitation still be deemed indispensable. • I have, &c. (Signed) SIEH. No. 398. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, December 19, 1893. I TRANSMIT to you herewith a copy of a note from the Chinese Minister at this Court,* expressing the readiness of his Government to join with those of England and France in whatever measures may be considered expedient with the object of securing the independence and integrity of Siam, and setting forth the views of China in regard to the proposed buffer State on the Upper Mekong. I should wish your Excellency to take an opportunity of asking M. Casimir-Perier whether the French Government have received a similar communication from the Chinese Government, and what view they take of it. I am, &c. (Signed) EOSEBEILY. No. 399. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — (Received December 20.) My Lord, Paris, December 19, 1893. IT is announced in the press that the Commissioners selected by the French Government to " establish the project of configuration of the neutral zone of the Upper Mekong " are MM. Pavie, French Consul- General at Bangkok ; ' Lef&vre Pourtalis, Secretaire d'Ambassade; and Lugan, Agent of the Syndicate of Upper Laos. I have, &c. > (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. No. 400. The Earl of Rosebery to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, December 20, 1893. IT has been represented to me that climatic reasons will prevent the Technica,! Commission, charged with the delimitation of the neutral zone between the English * vr _ nr\n * No. 397. 219 and Prencli possessions in the Indo-Chinese Peainsula, from usefully commencing its labours before the autumn of next year, I should be glad if your Excellency would ascertain the views of the French Government in this matter. I am, &c. (Signed) KOSEBEET. No. 401. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Roseiery. — {Received December 23.) My Lord, Paris, December 22, 1893. M. JUSSERAND, who has been acting as French Commissioner during, the nego- tiations here for the constitution of a neutral zone between the British and French posses- sions in the Indo-Chinese Peninsula, has informed Mr. Phipps that for climatic reasons the French Government is of opinion that the Technical Commission agreed lipon could not conveniently commence its labours until the autumn of next year. As the delay thus proposed appears also to be in accordance with your Lordship's views, I have caused M. Jusserand to be informed that Her Majesty's Government agree to the opinion thus expressed by the French Government. An understanding has been arrived at with M. Jusserand, on behalf of the French Government, that a date will be fixed for the assembly of the Technical Commission early next autumn. jl have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. ] No. 402. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Scott. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, December 24, 1893. IT is agreed by the French Government and ourselves that it would be usele^^ before the autumn to proceed with the delimitation of the neutral zone. No. 403. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery. — [Received January 19.) My Lord, Paris, January 18j 1894. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that Prince Svasti, who had only just arrived in Paris, had an interview the day before yesterday with M. Casimir-Perier, the President of the Council, by special appointment, with reference to the opening of negotiations in Paris for the conclusion of the new Commercial Treaty provided for in the Franco-Siamese Treaty of the 3rd October. I am informed that Prince Svasti was well received by M. Casimir-Perier, who did not appear at all opposed to the idea, and who stated that he hoped, after consultation with his colleagues, to be able to give him a definite answer in three or four days. M. Casimir-Perier observed at the same time that he did not apprehend that there would be any conditions in the proposals to be submitted for the new Treaty of such a nature as to prevent the conclusion of a prompt and satisfactory arrangement, I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. [591J 2 G 220 No. 404. The Marquis of Dvfferin to the Earl of Rosebery.. — (Receited January, 22.) My liqrd, .-'''" Paris, January 20, 1894. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that the Parliamentary Commission appointed yesterday for the examination of the Treaty, concluded on the 3rd Octoher last hietween the Government of the EepubHc and the King of Siam have given it their unanimous approval, and are in favour of its ratification. I have, &c. (Signed) "DUEEEEIN and AYA. No. 405. The Marquis of Duferin to the Earl of Rosetery. — {Received January 24.) My Lord, PanV, Jawwary 23, 1894. WITH reference to my despatch of the 20th instant,, I have the honour to inclose herewith to your Lordship, extracted fsom the " Journal Officiel " of this day, the Report made by M. Delonole on layiBg before the Chamber the project of Law approving the Treaty between Erance and Siam of the 3rd October, 1893, together with the reply of M. Casimir-Perier to an observation of M. Jamard relative to the omission in M. Deloncle's Report on the Treaty of any reference to the negotiations , with Great Britain for the constitution of a buffer State on the Upper Mekong. • It will be observed that the Treaty was ratified unanimously. I have, &c. (Signed) DUEEEEIN and AVA. Inclosure in No. 405. - - Esotractfrom the" Journal Officiel" of January 21, 1894. De'p6t du Rapport et adoption du Projet de Loi portant approbation d'un Traite avec le Siam, M. le Pre'sident. — La parole est a M. Deloncle pour le d6p6t d'un Rapport. M. Francois Deloncle (Rapporteur). — J'ai I'honneur de deppser sur le bureaude la Chambre un Rapport sur le projet de Loi portant approbation du Traits conclu le 3 Octobre, 1893, avec le Siam. Je demande I'urgence et la discussion immediate. (Tr^s bien ! tr6s bien !) M. le Pre'sident. — ^M. le Rapporteur demande I'urgence et la discussion immediate ; pour permettre a la Chambre de se prononcer, j 'invite M. le Rapporteur a lire son Rapport. M. Francois Deloncle (Rapporteur, lisant). — Messieurs, le Traits du 3 Octobre, 18Q3, avec le Siam actueUement spumis a votre approbation r^pond a la politique maintes fois indiqu^e a cette tribune et sanctionnee a I'unanimit^ par Ja OhambrC;, le 18 Juillet, 1893, en un ordre du jour invitant le Gouvernement a prendre les mesures n^cessaires pour faire reconnaltre et. respecter les droits de la Erance en Indo-Chine et exiger les garanties indispen sables a la s6ourit6 de notre Empire. , L'heroique action de nos marins dans la Rivi^rp dp Bangkok, I'acceptation parle Siam de 1' Ultimatum du 20 Juillet et des garanties compKmentaires contenues dans la note de , Paris du 30 Juillet, I'effet retentissant produit en Extreme-Orient par ce rapide succ^s de netrp diplomatic, obtenu sans effusion de sang gr^ce aux energiques instructions des Honorables MM. Develle et Delcasse, fermement ex6cut6es par notre Agent a Bangkok, M. Pavie : tout concourait k preparer le terrain des n^gooiatipns que notre Honorable collogue, M. Le Myre de Vilers, en mission extraordinaire auprfes du Roi de Siam, devait ouvrir au mois d'AoM pour la conclusion du Trait6 d^finitif qui vous est soumis. N^anmoins, nous devons un hommage partieulipr a I'habilete de nptre Pl^nipoten- tiaire qui a su faire insurer au Traits de nouvelles clauses consacrant d'une mani^re plus puissante encore que la formule de TUltiraatum la reconnaissance de nos droits nr. ■21 dans le Bassin du Mekong et mettant fin }!o:ir toujours aux empietements du Siam sur les territoires soumis a notre Protectorat. L'Annam et le Tonkin sont remis en possession de la rive gauche du Mekong jusqu'a la fronti^re de Qhine; la, 'navigation du fleuve est plac^e sous notre police unique. Seuls nous arons le droit d'y entretenir des batiments armes ; les eaux du fleuye et du Grand^Lac deviennent exclusivement "FranQaises ; le Siam rasera vies fortifications et n'installera plus de poste ni etablissement miHtaire dans les Provinces de Eattanbang -et de Siemreap, et dans une zone de 25 kilom. sur la rive, droite du Mekong; cette zone et les Provinces de Battanbang et de Siemreap seront affranchies de tout droit de d,ouane jusqu'^, la conclusion d'un nouveau Traits de Commerce; les assassins de nos Agents et de nos soldats seront ch^ti^s; enfin, le Gouvernement Prangais continuera k occuper Chantaboun jusqu'a I'ex^cution pleine et enti^re de tous les engagements contractus par le Siam vis-a-vis de nous. II n'est pas besoin de faire ressortir I'importance de ces stipulations, .qui nous donnent toutes les reparations necessaires, assurent le respect absolu de nos droits et nous oflfrent des garanties suffisantes; pourvu, toutefois, qu'elles soient fid^lement observ^es par les autorit^s Siamoises. Votre Commission vous propose, a runanimit^, d'approuver le Traits du 3 Octobre, 1893, avec le Siam. (Tr^s bien ! tr5s bien !) M. le President. — M. le Rapporteur demande I'urgence et la discussion immediate. Je consulte la Cbambre. (La Chambre, consult^6, prononce rurgence. Elle ordonne ensuite la discussion immediate.) M. le Pre'sident. — PersoUne ne demande la parole ? . . . . Je consulte la Chambre sur la question de savoir si elle entend passer a la discus- sion de r Article Unique. (La Chambre, consult^e, decide qu'elle passe a la discussion de 1' Article tJnique.) M. le Pre'sident. — -La parole est a M. Gamard. M. Gamard. — Lors de la discussion qui a eu lieu dans les Bureaux, une question qui m'a paru avoir une grande importance a ^t^ soulev^e : c'est celle qui concerne la constitution d'un Etat-tampon entre les possessions Pran9aises et le Siam. M. Casimr-PeHer (Ministre, des AfiEaires Btrang^res, President du Conseil). — Je demande la parole. M. Qamar^. — Or je n'ai rien vu dans le Bapport concernant cette question. Je serais bien aise de savoir si, lorsque les n^gociations avec le Siam et avec les Gouverne- ments qui peuvent s'y intdresser seront arriv^es a bonne fin, U est dans rintention du Gouvernement de consulter la Chambre sur la constitution de cet fitat-tampon. J'estime qu'il pent y avoir la I'abandon, dans une certaine mesure, de la souve- rainete de I'Etat Prangais, et je demande que le Gouvernement veuille bien nous dire quelles sont ses intentions a cet 6gard. M. le President. — La parole est a M. le President du Conseil. M. Casimir-Perier (President du Conseil, Ministre des Affaires Eltrangferes). — La question que vous est sbumise,' Messieurs, est celle de la ratification du Trait6 avec le Siam, et le point de savoir s'il y a lieu de creer ult^rieurement une zone neutre ou un Etat- tampon n'a rien a voir ni a faire ici. (Tr^s bien ! tr^s bien !) Cette question d'une zone neutre ou d'un Etat-tampon est a examiner avec TAngleterre, et.vous ^tes.simplement saisis aujourd'hui d'une question a r^gler avec le Siam. - Les documents qui ont ete recemment publics vous indiquent ou en est I'affaire de la zone neutre ou de I'Etat-tampon : on proc6de a une etude g^ographiquej-et, avant qu'elle soit terminee, ici comme ailleurs, je n'ai rien h dire. (Tr^s biein ! tres bien !) M. le Pre'sident, — Je donne lecture de rArticle Unique: — "Article Unique. — Le President de la il^pubiique est autoris^ a ratifier, et, s'il y a lieu, a faire ex^cuter le Traits conclu, le 3 Octobre, 1893, entre le Gouvernement de la R^publique Pran^aise et celui de Sa Majesty le Boi de Siam. " Une copie authentique de cet acte sera annexde a la pr^sente Loi." Personne ne demande la parole ? . . . . Je mets aux voix cet Article. (L' Article Unique, mis aux voix, est adopter) M. le Rapporteur. — ^A Tunanimit^ ! [691] 2 G 2 S22 No. 406. The Marquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosehery.— {Received February 2.) My Lord, Paris, January 31, 1894. WITH reference to my despatch of the 18th instant, I have the honour to report to your Lordship that M. Hanotaux, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Commercial and Consular Departments at the Ministry for Foreign Afiairs, has heen appointed to represent France in the negotiations to be opened in Paris for the conclusion of the new Commercial Treaty provided for in the Franco-Siamese Treaty of the 3rd October, 1893. It is also announced that Siam will be represented by Prince Svasti and Prince Vhadana, Siamese Minister in Paris. (Signed) ' DUFFERIN anb AY A. No. 407. The Earl of Rosehery to Sieh Ta-j^n. M. le Ministre, Foreign Office, February 2, 1894. I DULY received, and have given careful attention to, the note which you did me the honour to address to me on the 16th December, expressing the interest taken by your Government in the maintenance of the independence and territorial integrity of Siam, and their readiness to join in any measure which the Governments of Great Britain and France may take with the view of securing these objects. Her Majesty's Government have received this statement with much satisfaction, and have taken due note of the views and intentions of the Government of China in this respect. They also take note of the views of your Government with regard to the neutral State which it is intended to establish between the British and French possessions on the Upper Mekong. They believe, however, that it will be more judicious to defer bringing forward any definite proposals on these subjects until the conditions agreed to by Siam in the recent Convention between that country and France have been completely executed. This will probably be the case at no vevy distant date, as the only condition I'ematning unfulfilled appears to be that relating to the trial of the persons charged with the murder of M. Grosgurin, and arrangements are now being made for the trial. That chapter will then, it is to be hoped, have been closed. I have, &c. (Signed) EOSEBERY. ;- No. 408. The Matquis of Dufferin to the Earl of Rosebery.— {Received February 5.) My Lord, Paris, February 3, 1894. 1 HAVE the honour to inclose herewith to your Lordship, extracted from the " Journal Officiel " of this day, the text of the Law approving the Franco-Siamese Treaty signed on the 3rd October last, together with an account of the discussioli and adoption by the Senate of the " Projet de Loi " carried into effect thereby. I have, &c. (Signed) DUFFERIN and AVA. S23 tnclosure 1 in No. 408. Extract from the "Journal Officiel" of February 3, 1894. Loi portani approbation du Traite conclu le 3 Octobre, 1893, entre le Gouvernement de la Re'publique Frangaise et le Gouvernement de 8a Majeste le Roi de Siam. LE S^nat et la Chambre des Deputes out adopts, Le President de la Edpublique promulgue la Loi dont la teneur suit : — Article Unique. — Le President de la R^publique est autoris^ a ratifler et, s'il y a lieu, a faire executer le Traits conclu, le 3 Octobre, 1893, entrfe le Gouvernement de la Republique Fran5aise et le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste le Eoi de Siam. Une copie authentique de cet acte sera annexe k la pr^sente Loi. La pr^sente Loi, d^lib^ree et adoptee par le S^nat et par la Chambre des Deputes, execut^e comma loi de I'lStat. Pait k Paris, the 2 Fevrier, 1894. (Signe) OAENOT, Par le President de la E^publique : Le President du Conseil, Ministre des Affaires fitrang^res, (Sign6) Casimie-Pebibk. sera Inclosure 2 in No. 408. Extract from the "Journal Officiel" of February 3, 1894. Dep6t du Rapport sur le Projet de Loi relatif au Traite avec le Siam, M. le Pre'sident. — La parole est a M. de Marc^re. M. de Marcere. — J'ai I'honneur de d^poser sur le Bureau du Senat un Rapport fait au nom de la Commission charg^e d'examiner le projet de Loi, adopts par la Chambre des D6put6s, portant approbation du Traits conclu le 3 Octobre, 1893, entre le Gouvernement de la E6publique Prancaise et le Gouvernement de Sa Majestd le Eoi de Siam. J'ai I'honneur de demander au S^nat, d'accord avec le Gouvernement, de vouloir Men declarer I'urgence, qui a d^ja 6t6 vot^e par la Chambre des D6put6s. M. le Pre'sident. — Je consulte le S^nat sur I'urgence qui est demand6e par la Commission, d'accord avec le Gouvernement. II n'y a pas d'opposition ? . . . . L'urgence est d6clar6e. Voix nombreuses. — Lisez ! lisez ! M. le Pre'sident. — On demande la lecture du Eapport. II n'y a pas d'opposition ? . . . . La parole est a M. de Marcere pour la lecture de son Eapport. M. le Rapporteur. — Messieurs, le S6nat est saisi du projet de Loi, vote par la Chambre des D^putds dans sa stance du 20 Janvier, portant approbation du Traite conclu le 3 Octobre, 1893, entre le Gouvernement de la Republique Frangaise et le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste le Eoi de Siam. Ce Trait6 devant 6tre ratifl6 dans le d^lai de quatre mois a partir du jour de la signature le 3 Octobre, 1893, le S^nat comprendra qu'il est urgent de voter la ratifica- tion qui lui est demand^e aujourd'hui m^me. II lui est d'ailleurs facile de se rendre a cette n^cessit^, s'il considfere les avantages de ce Traits, dans lequel la Prance obtienttoutes les satisfactions morales et mat^rielles r^clam^es dans les ultimatums adress^s au Siam les 20 et 30 Juillet demiers. Ainsi que le constate le Eapport fait a la Chambre, I'Annam et le Tonquin sont remis en possession de la rive gauche du Mekong jusqu'a la fronti^re de Chine ; la navigation du fleuve est plac^e sous notre police unique. Sauls, nous avons le droit d'y entretenir des b^timants arm^s ; les eaux du fleuve et du grand lac daviennent axclusivement Pranyaises ; le Siam rasera les fortifications , 224 et n'installera plus de port ni d'^tabli^semeiit mili,taires dans les Provinces de Battan- bang et de Tiem-Reap, et dans' une -^one de 25 kilbm. sur la rive droite du Mekong: cette zone et les Provinces de Battanbang et de Tiefli-Reap seront affrancbies de tout droit de douane jusqu'a la conclusion d'un nouveau' fcait^ de Commerce ; les actes de violence commis centre nos agents -et centre nos soldats seront punis ; enfin le Gouvemement Prangais continuera a occuper Cbantaboun jnsqu'a 1' execution pleine et enti^re de tous les engagements contractes par le Siam envers nous. ' , La Commission, en proposani au S^nat de donner sa ratification a ce Traits et a la Convention qui en est la suite, ne saurait passer sous silence la rapidity et la decision avec lesquelles Taction militaire et les n^gociations diplomatiques pnt 6t6 conduites. Le Senat s'a&sociera, elle I'esp^re, aux sentiments de satisfaction qu'elle a ^prouves et qu'elle adresse a tous ceux qui ont pris part a ces ev^nements. -- - Nous avons I'hoiineur, en consequence, de vovis proposer d' adopter ie projet de Loi qui vous est soumis par le Gouvemement. M. le President. — Je consulte le S^nat sur la discussion immediate qui est demandee par vingt de nos collogues dont voici les noms : MM. B6ral, Glamageran, Leder, Le Monnier, T^zenas, Alfred Eire, de Eozifere, de Oasabiancai Sil&ol, Raymond, Jules Labiche, Cordelet, A^elten, Diancourt, Poirier (Marne), Cbovet, Baudens, Xavier Blanc, plus deux signatures illisibles. : (La discussion immediate est ordonnee.) ^* ill.. i M. le President. — P.:rsonne ne demande la parole! poUr la disoltssion gen^rale ? . . . r- Je consulte le S6nat sur la question de savoir s'il entend passer a la discussion de I'Article Unique du projet de Loi. ^ ' II n'y a pas d' opposition ? . . . . ' Je donne lecture de cet Article. " Article Unique. — Le President de la Republique est autorise a ratifier et, s'il y a lieu, a faire executer le Traite le 3 Octobre, 1893, entre le Gouvemement de la Republique Pranyaise et le Gouvemement de Sa Majeste le Roi de Siam. " Une copie autbentique de cet acte sera annexee a la presente Loi." Je mets aux voix I'Article Unique. (Le projet de Loi est adopts.) No. 409. Mr. Scott to the Earl of Rosebery. — {Received February 23.) (Telegfapbic.) , Bangkok, February 23g lS94i- I HAVE the honour to state that the 24th instant is the date fixed for ;the com^enceilient of the sitting of the Siamese Court for the trial e^f the; alleged naurderersof Grosgurin. Discussion as to the method of procedure and other, minor matters -have caused much delay. British counsel have been engaged on behalf of the accused, and an offer has been made by the Siamese Governmeol tQ 3.§ord a jimi]ji^^ advantage, at their own expense, to the prosecutpr, , Beyond -one sworn deposition and one statement, there is no evidence for the prosecution, and-no witwesses have arrived here. The appearance in court of witnesses for; the prosecutio;ii„ together . with the production of all evidence relating to the case, which is demanded, by the counsel for the defence, is ridiculed by the French as a wantpn waste of; time. No order on this demand has as yet been made by the Siamese presiding Judge/,'. Either great delay will, I fear, bfe incurred, or the trial will end in failure. No. 410. !- Mr. Scott to the Earl of Kimberley.-^ {Received March 18.) (Telegraphic), : Bnnffhok, March 11 , 1894<. GROSGURIN case. I have the honour to report that the accused in this case has been acquitted. The re-trial of the case at Saigon is being urgently pressed by the Prench Representative here. ,y 225 No. 411. The Earl of Kimherley to the Marquis of Dufferin. My Lord, Foreign Office, April 25, 1894. M. D'ESTOUENELLES, at an interview with, me to-day, informed me that he was desired hy M. Casimir-Perier to call my attention to the statements of Lord E/Osebery and Sir E. G-rey, that the Erench Government had promised that Chan,taboon should „be evacuated as soon as the final Judgment had been given in the Grosgurin case. There appeared to M. Casimir-Perier to be some misunderstanding on their part, as the evacuation of that place was dependent on the fulfilment of all the stipulations of the Convention, in accordance with Article VI of that instrument. I said that I took note of this communication, and would examine what had passed on the subject between the British and Erench Governments. I would remark, however, that, according to the information we had received, the Siamese Government had already fulfilled all its obligations under the Convention, and nothing, therefore, remained except to dispose finally of the Grosgurin case. I am, &c. (Signed) KIMBERLEY.