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•Enclosure 2.
Pd. I annex a translation
official utterance respecting
of
: the Union of "French Indo-China!
S273
Enclosure 1.
FRANCE AND CAMBODIA,
The Governor of Cochin-China has issued the i following proclamation to the people of Cam- bodia:→→→
"By a convention signed at Phnom penh on the 17th June, 1884, His Majesty Norodom, King of Cambodia, and M. Charles Thonison, Governor of Cochin-Chins, acting in the name of the Go- verument of the French Republic, have agreed to realise the reforms rendered necessary in the interest of the Cambodian people. The new arrangement confirms and completes the funda. mental treaty concluded on the 11th August, 1863, between France and Cambodia, and respects the ancient laws and customs of the Kingdom so far as these are compatible with the eternal principles of right and of human progress, which alone make nations grest, happy, and free. In consequence of this arrangement and the good understanding which exists between the two Go- vernments measures will be taken by which, in the near futuro, slavery will be completely wiped out iu Cambodia and by which all Cambodians will henceforth be able to enjoy their freedom.
The land, which up to the present has belong- ed entirely to the Crown, will be divided between the communes and individuals and will be given or made ovar to them with full proprietary rights. The Christians and the temples will re- tain the lands actually occupied by them.
"Franch officials will be sent into the provinces i to see, in concert with the Cambodian authorities that justion isoverywhere rendered in an equitable manner, and that the yield of the imposts, every. where properly collected, is employed in works of public utility, the construction of roads, canals, bridges, docks, and telegraphic lines, serving to facilitato communication throughout the whole extent of the Kingdom. A mauicipality will be charged with the administration of the town of Phnon-pesh.
"Trade and industry will become more prosper- ous, ordor and tranquility will be guaranteed, pri. vate property constituted, and the well-being of all Cambodians will increase day by day. Such will be the results of the now convention by which His Majesty Norodom I. has strengthened the bonds of friendship which have long united
Cambodia
Cambodia and France. The Government of the French Republic, the protector of Cambodia, will always aim at the assurance, by wise disposi tions, of the liberty of all and the happiness of the Cambodian people.
"His Majesty the King of Cambodia and the Governor of Cochin-China rely on the zeal and devotion of the Cambodian officials to make known to the populations the intentions of the Governments and to assist them in this work of peace, justice, and civilization.
Given at Phnom-penh, 18th June, 1884.
CHARLES THOMSON, "Governor of Cochin-China."
The Saiyonnais learns by telegram from Phnom penh that the Cambodians are delighted with the new treaty and that the Mandarins have called on the Governor and avowed their derolion to France.
The following telegrams have been addressed to the Governor at Phnom-penh by the elective bodies of the colony of Saigon
"We beg to convey to you our warm congra tulations on the new convention with Cambodia. The development of our influence in that coun try will assure its prosperity and make it one of the brightest gems of French Indo-China.
"The French Colonial Counsellors at present in Saigon." "We convey to the Governor our hearty con- gratulations on the results obtained in Cambo- dia, which will assure the development of onr trade and industry in this part of French Indo- China.
"The Saigon Chamber of Commerce."
"19th June, 1884.
"Monsieur the Governor.
"The Mayor and Municipal Conneil of Saigou beg to tender yon the roodest tribute of their congratulations on the happy result of your ne- gotiations with Cambodia. It is a grand step in advance for civilisation and the prosperity of the country, and of which Saigon and our fine co- lony will not be long in feeling the effects. It gives them great happiness to salute this now success of your patient, wise, and liberal colonial policy, which looks unceasingly to the prosperity of the country which has been confided to your Government, and they pray you to have the goodness to accept the expression of their entire and respectful devotion.
Signed by the Mayor, Counsellors, and officials.
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