The Times publishes a significant little telegram from its correspondent
in Saigon, the capital of the French Indo-Chinese dependencies. Writing on June 30th, he describes Saigon as a town of functionaries, all of whom are greatly elated by recent events, and especially by the annexation of Cambodia,—a strik- ing incident which occurred a month since, and has almost escaped attention in Europe,—and " are calling for a vigorous policy at Bankok," the capital of Siam. That is the point to which, when this Chinese quarrel is over, French ambition will naturally be directed, and which is, we believe, creating some uneasiness in Calcutta. If the French seriously intend to create an India of their own in Indo-China, they must, as we pointed out a year ago, take Siam ; and their agents in Saigon already perceive that fact. An attack on Siam would be a serious matter, as it would compel us either to form a strict alliance with France in Southern Asia —a policy with much to be said for it—or to insist upon the recognition of a neutral zone which neither Power must cross. British Burmah would be untenable if the Indian Government had perpetually to quarrel with France about its boundaries and its customs duties.
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