And it was his "Secret Treaty" with the king which forced the hand of England and led to her hasty occupation of Upper Burma.

The story is a very pretty one.

By this treaty French influence was to become predominant in Upper Burma; the country was to become virtually a colony of France, with a community of interest with France, with France to support her in any difficulty with British Burma.

Such a position England could not tolerate for one moment.

Fortunately for us French intrigue outwitted itself, and the Secret Treaty became known.