SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In my thesis an attempt is made to describe Anglo-Prench relations with Siam between I876 and 1904. Chapter I traces and assesses the respective influences of various factors in the formation and conduct of Siamese foreign affairs. Then follows an account of Anglo-Siamese relations in the Malay Peninsula with special reference to the problem of the Perak-Raman boundary; the Secret Malay Convention of 1897 and negotiations concerning Kelantan and Trengganu. A detailed discussion of the various attempts to settle the claims of Siam and several Shan States to territory on both banks of the Salween forms Chapter III. The French claim to all the territory east of the Mekong and their action in driving the Siamese from that river's left bank are critically examined in Chapter IV. In Chapter V the French blockade of Bangkok is described and especially the complications which arose between the English and French owing to the presence of British warships in Siamese territorial waters; the chapter concludes with an account of the 1893 Franco- Siamese Treaty. The problems resulting from the Treaty, the 25 km. zone, the registration of French protefges in Siam and the difficulties concerning the territory of Luang Prabang on the right bank of the Mekong are discussed in the first part of the seventh chapter. The second half of Chapter VII and Chapter VI are devoted to relevant Anglo-French relations and negotiations for the neutralisation of Siam and the unsuccessful attempt to constitute a buffer state between their respective possessions in Indo-China. The Mongsing affair and the final agreement between England and Prance in I896 to guarantee the indeperdence and integrity of the Menam Valley are discussed at length. The study is concluded with an account of the negotiations which preceded the Entente Cordiale of 1904. with special reference to the clauses relating to Siam. A final special chapter is devoted to an attempt to trace the origin, development and final abandonment of the extraterritorial jurisdiction over special groups of foreigners in Siam, resulting in the emergence of this country as a completely independent sovereign state.