Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-07-27
THAT BLOCKADE.
British Members of Parliament Ask
Questions.
The ANSWERS OF The MINISTRY.


commons MIR John Leng, n member
for Dundee, asked II the government
was aware that the British subjects
possessed rights over forty square miles
Of land In the Siamese provinces Of
Shantaborn, Krat and Battambang for
working ruby and sapphire mines, and
whether, in the event OF France
anncxing those provinces, care
would be taken to guard British inter-
ests. Sir Edward Grey, parliamentary
secretary Of the foreign Office. stated
In reply that the government was
aware Of the mining rights held in
Siam by British subjects, but he point
ed out that the provinces in which
these rights are held lie TO the west OF
the Mekong river, and are not, there
fore, included In the territorial de-
mands made by France.
Hon. George II. Cursor, conservative
member for the Southport division Of
Lancashire, asked whether France had
notified Great Britain that she had es-
tabllshed n blockade of the Siamese
coast; whether the establishment of
such blockade would be regarded as an
act Of bclligerency between France and
or would be, recognized by Great Brit
ain and what measures the govern
mcut proposed TO take in regard to the
matter.
Sir EdwardrGrcy replied that Great
Britain had 1received from France
verbal notice of the intention of the
French government TO blockade the
Siamese coast The blockade would
certainly be an act of bclligerency.
The British government said Sir Ed
ward, proposed to continue its present
protection of its British subjects in
Bangkok and the property of the sub
jects, The government thought that
the value that attaches to declaration
of blockade must vary with the cir
cumstances of each particular case.
Mr.. Cursor then asked: Suppose
any British vessel, even ship carrying
mails, should ascend the Menam river
after Thursday, will II risk being capt
ured or fred upon by the French2 II
so, what steps will the government
take TO mitigate such n state of affairs?
And further, when may we expect noti-
fication of the proceedings Of our am
bassador Ia Paris?n
Cries OF "llear, hear" greeted the
questions.
Sir Edward stated that any further
communications that he might make to
the house must depend upon the com
munications now passing between Great
Britain and France AS to the details
of the blockade he must state the gov
eminent had only just received notice
of the fact of the intended blockade.
lie added that he must ask that due no
tice must be given of other questions
the members desired TO ask.
Notwithstanding this request, Rt.
| Hon. Charles Dixie, advanced radical
member for the Forest of Dean division
of Gloucestershire, asked: "Will there
be n declaration of war or merely an
| implied belligerency2 win not the
blockade be established under the pre-
tense of its being what is called "a
pacific blockade|"
Sir Edward replied: 81 cannot add
anything to what have said. l hope
TO he able TO give to you further in
formation on Thursday. II would not
be advisable nor to the public interest
20 make any further statement for the
present
Sir Richard Temple, conservative
member for the Kingston-on-the-
Thames division of Surrey, asked II the
government was taking steps TO secure
some equality in the British and
French naval forces in Siamese waters.
This question brought forth cries of
Don't answer" but Sir Edward
answered this question, saying; 81
assured the house on n previous oc-
casion, and the assurance still holds,
that Great britain has a sufficient force
off Bangkok to protect British life and
property
PREPARING TO BLOCKADE.
SAIGON, July 2G.-rhe division Of the
far east Of the French fleet, which is
commanded by Adm. Human, sailed
yesterday for the gulf of siam. The
merchant vessels lying Off bangkok
will probably receive time before thl
blockade to leave the Menam river and
put out to sea.