Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-29
Pershing' s Troops
 Moving North
ORDER OF WITHDRAWAL OPEL
 cIALLY ANNOUNCED
START HAS BEEN MADE
Villa is Stronger Than When Punitive Expedition Entered Mexico and is Expected to Contest With carranza Occupation of Territory Vacated by American Troops

Washington, Jan. s.-Orders for the withdrawal of American troops from Mexico were officially announced to- day bp the war department with the statement that the northward move ment of General Pershing's men be- gan early this morning with the evacuation of Colonia Dublan
 The final act in the entrance into Mexico of 12.000 American soldiers as a result of the Villa ma assacre of IT Americans at Columbus, N. M, on official announcement by the war de- partment that General Pershing had been ordered, and actually had started, to bring his troops back to the United States.
 Secretary Baker issued the follow ing announcement:
 Statement by Secretary Baker
 General Pershing has been ordered to bring his troops out of Mexico. The movement is to be an immediate one and is probably already under way"
 Later advices to the department said that the troops already had be- gun the evacuation of Colonia Dublan, 110 miles from the border, where they had been concentrating during the past few weeks. The last American soldier is expected to re-cross the bor- der in about a week
 Villa Growing Stronger.
 No official information is at hand as to whether Villa or Carranza troops will occupy the territory left vacant by the Americans, but the belief is strong here that the bandit, who is credited with at least 5000 wel1-armed men and who is now at least four times strong when the American troops went across the border. will make a desperate effort to take the territory, particular for its moral ef feet.
 The two other phases of the Mexi- can problem on which interest centers now are the disposition of the more than 50, ,000 militia still on the border and the sending of Ambassador Flet- cher to his post at Mexico City. Off, cials say no decision has been reached in either of these questions but that both are dependent on the turn of events in Mexico.
 Guardsnnen to be Ordered Horne.
 At least a part of the remaining suardsmen are expected to be ordered home as soon as the z5,000 now leav- ing have been moved out of the way and Pershing's regulars have been re- lection for the border, perhaps in three weeks time. Pershing's with drawa1 will enable a much smaller force to guard the border, as a large support has been essential to his long line of communication.
 The delay in sending Ambassador Fletcher is due to the administration hesitancy to accord that degree of 
 ment which is felt not only to have been none too friendly, but also to be seriously endangered by Villa, Zapata and other bandit activities, as well as by the extremely weak economic con- ditions in the country.
 Speedy Withdrawal.
 The Pershing withdrawal will be carried out with as much speed as possible over the rough, arid, water less section and it is hoped that the men will cover about 15 miles a day. Railroads will not be used even for carrying supplies, as it is desired nei- ther to run any chance of raids by Villa nor to incur any obligation to Carranza.
 Preparations for withdrawal have been going on for some time. it was admitted today, with the calling in of outposts and the taking of steps to protect friendly Chinese and Aor- mons from punishment by the Mexi- cans. No announcement could be made, it was added, before the actual march was under way. as it was fear ed some unexpected event might come up which would require a further de- lay and embarrassing explanations to Souts American countries which have been watching every step in the criti- cal situation with the utmost interest.