HC Deb 14 July 1893 vol 14 cc1623-4
SIR W. HARCOURT

The Prime Minister stated at the beginning of business to-day that if any further information was received with regard to Siam it should be communicated to the House. It will probably be convenient to communicate now the following information from the Foreign Office:— From the Reports received from Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok and from the Commander of the British gunboat at present stationed there it appears that two French gunboats forced their way yesterday evening up the river against the opposition of the Siamese authorities, and, as we are informed, against the desire of the French Minister, and anchored off the French Legation. Her Majesty's Government are disposed to believe that this action was taken by the French naval officers without the authority of their Government, as it does not appear to be in accordance with the repeated assurances received from the French Minister for Foreign Affairs that Her Majesty's Government should receive previous notice of any fresh action which might be decided upon. But they must await the explanations which they will no doubt receive from Paris, and further reports as to the development of events at Bangkok, before they can form or express any definite opinion on what has occurred.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I suppose the Government will, if possible, give further information on Monday?

SIR W. HARCOURT signified assent.