Rama IV was initially overjoyed by the Austrian Empire's sudden request for peace talks. At last, the crisis was over.
But he was also extraordinarily furious. Rama IV could not make sense of Austria's intentions, nor did he know whether this was a trap laid by the other side.
They might be feigning negotiations, waiting until his side lowered its guard before conspiring to assault the city. After all, Chenla's forces currently held every advantage and seemed to have no reason at all to negotiate with the Kingdom of Siam. Were their positions reversed, he certainly would not give the enemy any opportunity.
General Porter had promised that British reinforcements would arrive, yet there had been no movement from India for a long time.
Meanwhile, flames of war covered Siam. Even now, Rama IV did not know how many troops Chenla had sent. He had become a blind man trapped inside a cage.
Earlier, some ministers had proposed attacking Kompong Som Bay to break the deadlock. But the Siamese navy had met stubborn resistance from the Chenla fleet. Overall, both sides had suffered losses, yet Rama IV did not dare commit his entire fleet. After all, he still needed the navy as his final trump card.
The peace proposal put forward by Chenla made him even more displeased.
"Your Majesty Rama IV, At this critical juncture, the government of the Austrian Empire, acting in a spirit of responsibility toward regional peace and the peoples of both nations, solemnly proposes to you:
First, both sides shall immediately cease all military operations.
Second, Chenla's forces shall withdraw from your country in an orderly manner. No organization or individual within Siam may pursue or obstruct them.
Third, the Kingdom of Siam must pledge never to pursue accountability and never to demand compensation for