§ MR. CURZON (Southport)I wish to ask a question, of which I have given private notice to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, which he may be able to answer before he makes the promised statement as to Siam. It is as follows:—Whether the French Government have notified the blockade of the coast of Siam; whether this is to be interpreted as an act of belligerency between France and Siam; whether the blockade has been, or will be, recognised by Her Majesty's Government; and what steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take with regard to a measure that will inflict the most serious damage upon British trade and shipping in the East?
§ * SIR E. GREYHer Majesty's Government have received verbal notice from the French Government of their intention to establish a blockade of Siam. Such a measure would be undoubtedly an act of belligerency between France and Siam. We propose to continue our present protection in Bangkok of British life and property; but the Government do not think it advisable in the public interest that any further statement on the subject should be made to-day.
§ * SIR C. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)In regard to the statement that the blockade would constitute an act of belligerency, is it supposed that there would be any declaration of war or would it be a mere implied belligerency? Or, in other words, is it to be a pacific blockade?
§ * SIR E. GREYI hope to enter into further details on Thursday. I apprehend the exact value to be attached to a blockade must vary according to the circumstances in each particular case.
§ MR. CURZONAm I to understand from the answer of the hon. Baronet that no British vessel, not even a ship carrying the mails, can from Thursday next ascend the River Menam to Bangkok without the risk of being fired upon by the French? Will any steps be taken by Her Majesty's Government to mitigate so serious a state of affairs; also may I ask when we may look forward to receiving some notification of the proceedings pending with our Ambassador at Paris?
§ SIR E. GREYAny further statement must depend upon the communica- 490 tions now passing between this Government and the French Government, and as regards any details of the blockade we have only just received notice of the blockade, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would give notice as regards the passage of the mails.
§ SIR R. TEMPLE (Surrey, Kingston)May I ask whether Her Majesty's Government are taking steps to secure some equality of the naval forces between France and England?
§ SIR E. GREYWe have already assured the House—and that assurance still holds good—that we have sufficient naval forces to protect the lives and property of British subjects at Bangkok.