Evening star., 1927-03-28
SHANGHAI TENSION EASED.
Officials Here Chccred by Reports
From Williams.

The pail OF anxiety which has
lowered over Washington since the
Chinese situation became acute was
lifted slightly. but perceptibly, today
by word that another day had passed
without a serious outbreak of anti
foreign violence in that war-ridden
country.
Admiral Williams, commanding the
concentration OF American ships and
marines ut Shanghai. reported TO the
Navy Department that he had re-
turned to shiphoard a landing force
from the cruiser Pittshurg which was
rushed ashore yesterday when 1t was
learned that tho Chinese would stage
a demonstration in the native city to
demand return to their hands of con-
cessions in the international settle
ment.
The bluejackets joined the force of
1500 Marines already ashore under
command of Brig. Gen. Smedley ID.
Butler, but, although the demon
stration occurred. ii was not fol-
lowed by any violence necessitating
the use of the additional force.
Wilbur Tnformes President.
Secretary Wilbur received the re-
mort of Admiral Williams with mani
fest qualification and hurried to the
White House to inform President
Coolidge that the situation at
Shanghai was easier" for the mo-
ment at least. T..
Nevertheless, facing condition
fraught with the gravest danger to
American lives and property. the
American Government went forward
with its plans of reinforcing the COM
mand of Admiral Williams, to whom
has been intrusted the difficult and
delicate task of throwing safeguards
about those who have been endan-
gered duriRg the sweep of the Can
tonese army over a large part or
China.
All Americans in the interior OF
Frkien Province have been ordered
to concentrate in Annoy, as a precau-
ton against possible anti-foreign out
breaks, according to an Associated
Press cable from there. The Ameri-
can destroyer Bulmer arrived there
yesterday. The local situation re-
mains calm, but there is much agita-
ton.
The 1900 Marines ordered to San
Diego to be embarked on the transport
Henderson were being gathered from
posts along the Atlantic Coast, and
the Henderson by radio today an
nounced she would enter the San
Diego harbor on April 3, ready to
take them aboard for the trip across
the Pacific.
Destroyers Reach Shanghai.
Three American destroyers Joined
Admiral williams forces at Shanghai
today, and three cruisers are en- route
from Honolulu and should be available
| for his use as the necessity requires
within a few days.
officials here have expressed the
hope that this force would be sum
cient. but whether 1t could cope with
an extensive outbreak against for
eigners remains to be seen.
The American destroyers Peary,
Pillsbury and John d. Ford are those
arriving at Shanghai today, and seven
japanese destroyers also put in to re.
inforce Shanghai's international naval
concentration. The japanese arrival
added 800 men to the available land
ing forces.
The Parrott has arrived at Foochow,
the Edsall at Swatow and the Bulmer
at Annoy, making total Of 16 Ameri-
can destroyers in Chinese waters.
In line with its policy of getting
Americans out of the Chinese danger
zones, the State Department has de-
cided to close the remote consulates
at Changsha and Chunking when
evacuation of American nationals at
those points has been completed. The
consuls will retire to the coast and
| warships at the two cities then can
be withdrawn.
Minister Asks Authority.
| Authority to close the consulates
| was asked by Minister MacMurray Of
| the State Department owing to their
| isolated situation. With Americans
| removed from danger there will be
no reason to continue the consulates,
as American commercial activities In
| the regions will cease until the pres
ent disturbance is over.