Mr. Boyd to Mr. Gresham.
Bangkok, July 31, 1893. (Received September 6.)
Sir: On the 27th instant I received a notification from the commanding officer of the French fleet now in the Gulf of Siam, that on the day before (or the 26th instant), at 5 p.m., an effective blockade would be established at all Siamese ports between point Chulai and point Lem Kra Bang to the northward (these points: the first, 13° 3ʹ and 97° 43ʹ E. Paris meridian; the second, 13° 5ʹ N. 98° 31ʹ E. Paris meridian). This practically includes all ports of any importance.
Three days’ grace was given all merchant vessels flying the flag of a friendly power to leave port if they so desired.
Yesterday a British ship from Hongkong by special permission was permitted to enter this port. She clears to-day, hence the opportunity for this dispatch.
The island of Koh Si Chang, in the Gulf of Siam, 25 miles from the mouth of the river Menam, and which is known as the King’s summer resort, has been occupied by the French. This, however, is supposed to be only temporary, to give them a convenient place to rendezvous while keeping up the blockade.
I have, etc.,
Vice-Consul-General.