| THE ANGLO-FRENCH CRISIS. The French had been trying for years to extend their dominions westward to the Mekong River, a policy that met with opposition not only from Siam but from Britain, which desired to preserve Siam as buffer between Burma and the French possessions. Border clashes in May 1893 led to the mission of two gunboats to Bangkok in July. The Siamese fired upon them, whereupon the French submitted a stiff ultimatum (July 13). This was rejected, and the French then instituted a blockade (July 31), which led to a short but acute Anglo-French crisis. The Siamese were obliged to yield. | 1 |
