HC Deb 14 November 1893 vol 18 cc868-71
MR. S. HERBERT (Croydon)

In the absence of the hon. Member for Southport, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations are still in progress between the English and French Governments with reference to Siam; and when he will be in a position to lay the promised Papers upon the Table of the House?

SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg, at the same time, to ask the hon. Gentleman whether the promised Papers as to the position of this country towards France in relation to Siam will include the protests made at Paris against the so-called, "pacific blockade"?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

The negotiations with the French Government are still in progress, and it would not be desirable to present Papers at this stage. No exact date can be given for their production, but it is the desire of Her Majesty's Government that it should take place as soon as is compatible with the public interest. The Papers will include Correspondence with regard to the blockade.

MR. S. HERBERT (on behalf of the hon. Member for Southport)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the exact conditions under which the French are in armed occupation of Chantabun; and whether that occupation is of a temporary character; and, if so, when it is likely to terminate?

SIR E. GREY

The following is a translation of the Article in the Franco-Siamese Convention with regard to the occupation of Chautabun:— The French Government will continue to occupy Chantabun until the execution of the stipulations of the present Convention, and particularly until the complete evacuation and pacification both of the left bank and of the zones contemplated in Article III. of the Treaty dated this day. The French Government have stated repeatedly that the occupation is of a merely temporary character.

MR. S. HERBERT (on behalf of the hon. Member for Southport)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French are still in occupation of any, and, if so, what, islands on the Siamese coast; and whether this occupation is of a temporary character; and, if not, under the terms of what Agreement or Convention it is proposed that these islands shall be retained?

SIR E. GREY

We are informed that no islands are held by the French Government in the Gulf of Siam except that of Samit, a small rocky island lying off the point of that name in Cambodia.

MR. S. HERBERT (on behalf of the hon. Member for Southport)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the stipulations in the Franco-Siamese Treaty and Convention as to the 16-mile strip on the right bank of the Mekong and the Provinces of Battambong and Angkor involve any creation of French claims—territorial, administrative, or commercial—over those districts; and whether the Siamese will continue by means of an armed police force to maintain Siamese authority therein?

SIR E. GREY

The question appears to be one as to the interpretation of the Treaty and Supplementary Convention concluded at Bangkok on the 1st of October. The text of those Agreements has been published, but they have not been ratified. The exact interpretation and effect to be given to them is primarily a matter to be decided between the French and Siamese Governments; but the apparent effect and intention of them would seem to indicate the restriction of the exercise of Siamese rights of Sovereignty in certain particulars and places, but not the creation of any French rights in the Siamese territory in question.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the action of the French gunboats which in July last forced their way up the Menam River was at variance 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; whether any representations or remonstrances were consequently made by Her Majesty's Government to the French Government; and, if so, whether any reply was received to such representations; and whether, in that case, the full text of such representations and replies will be included in the Papers on Siam to be laid before the House?

SIR E. GREY

Correspondence relating to this matter will be found in the Papers respecting Siam which are being prepared for Parliament, and which will be laid as soon as is compatible with the public interest. Pending the production of these Papers, it is undesirable to add to the statements which were made to Parliament at the time of the occurrence.