221
over
Tonquin which France derived
from previous
Treaties.
As regards the intended expedition to Tonquin M. Challemel Lacour is said to have said that the rights and intentions of France had not given rise to any negotiation or communication with any foreign power whatever. With respect to the country organization of Tonquin, M. Challemel Lacour is stated to have affirmed that it was intended to create local bodies having an analogy with French Municipal Councils, and that the administration of justice and finances was now entrusted to bands of Annamite Mandarins who would be substituted by Tonguinese.
France and the Annamites favourable to France, M. Challemel Lacour is further reported to have declared that he was opposed to the re-establishment of the national dynasty in Tonquin and preferred to maintain the state of things at present in existence.
Finally, according to the account given in the Débats, M. Challemel Lacour informed the Committee that the mission of M. de Myre-Mory was to invite the Emperor of Annam to some stipulations additional to the Treaty of 1874, that a certain time would be given to the Emperor to decide and that this time being passed, France would proceed to action in case of a refusal. (passera outre au cas de refus)
The account in the "Soir" contains details which it states to have been given by the Minister of Marine respecting the naval forces required for the Expedition. It comprises also a recital of the history of the relations between France & Annam.
A less full report than that in the "Débats" of the language attributed to M. Dupuis, a merchant, is made before the Committee.