The Portland daily press., 1893-07-27
ENGLAND AND SIAM.
The British Government Cross examined
as to Its Course.

LONDON, July 26.-In the House of
Commons yesterday, Mr.. John Long
advanced LiberaD asked if the govern
ment was aware that British suolects
possessed rights over 40 square miles OF
land in the Siamese provinces Oh Chanta-
born, KRAFT and Battambang for working
ruby and sapphire mines, and whether'
in the event of France annexing those
provinces, care would be taken to guard
British interests,
Sir Edward Grey, parliamentary secre-
tary of the foreign office, stated IN reply
that the government was aware OF the
mining rights held in Siam by British
subjects, but he pointed out that the
provinces in which these rights are held
lie to the west of the Mekong river, and
were not, therefore, included in the ter
ritorial demands made by France,
Mr.. Curzon CONSERVATIVE asked
whether France had notified Great Bri-
tain that she had established blockade
of the Siamese coast; whether the estab-
lishment of such a blockade, would be
regarded as an act Of belligerency be-
tween France and Siam; whether the
blockade had been or would be reeog-
nized by Great Britain, and what meas
ures the government proposed to take IN
regard to the matter.
Sir Edward Gray replied that Great
Britain had received from France verbal
notice of the intention to blockade the
Siamese coast, The blockade would Ger
tainly be an act of belligerency. The
prst Oh, ir E1xuard QGdpd
proposed to continue it's present protec-
ton of the lives of British subjects in
Bangkok and of the property of British
subjects. The government thought that
the value that attaches to a declaration
of blockade must vary with the
circumstances of each particu-
lar case. Mr. Curzon then asked
Suppose any British vessel, even a
ship carrying mails, should ascend the
Menam River after Thursday? Will it
risk being captured or fired upon by the
French? If SO, what steps will the Gov
eminent take to mitigate such a
state of affairs? And further, when
may we expect notification of the pro-
ceedings of our ambassador in PARISH"
Cries of Hear, hear" greeted the
question.
Sir Edward stated that any further
communications he might make to the
House must depend upon the commune
cations now passing between Great Brit
ain and France. AS to the details OF the
blockade, he must state that the govern
ment had only just received notice of the
fact of the intended blockade. He add
ed that he must ask that due notice be
given Of other questions the members de-
sired to ask.
Notwithstanding this request Sir
Charles Dixie asked: ''Will there be
declaration of war, or merely an implied
belligerency? Will not the blockade be
established under the pretence of its be-
ing what is called a pacific blockade?n
Sir Edward replied: II cannot add any
thing to what have said. hope to be
able to give you further information on
Thursday. 1t would not be advisable nor
to the public interest to makeany further
statement today
Sir Richard Temple CONSERVATIVE
asked if the government was taking steps
to secure some equality in the British
and French naval force in Siamese waters.
This question brought forth cries of
sDon't answer" but Sir Edward an
swered the question saying: II assured
the House on a previous occasion, and
the assurance Still holds, that Great
Britain has sufficient force off Bangkok
to protect British life and property"
Over Two Hundred Lost
SAN FRANCISCO, July 26.-News has
been received at Hong Kong that the
Spanish steamer San Juan, loaded with
kerosene, for Aeri and Manila, has been
destroyed by fire. Out Of 250 people on
board, only 20 were saved.
Slams Position.
BANGKOK, July 26.-M. Pavie, prior to
his departure, had final interview with
Devawongse, the Siamese foreign minis
ter, who said the government was aston
ished that France considered their reply
to the French ultimatum as refusal to
comply with the terms. 1t was impossi-
BILE, he said, to accept definitely an in.
definite proposal.