Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-25

tiers along the Bund The, precau-
tons were taken mostly to guard
against invasion by defeated troops oil
Marshal Sun Chuan-Fang
American Force Increased.
The American defense force, hav'
ing been augmented with 1900 Ma
rines from San Diego, Calf, yester-
day. was strengthened further today
with the arrival of three destroyers-
the Preble, Noa and Hulbert--from
Manila.
More of the northern Chinese troops
under Gen. Chang Tsung Chang, mill.
tary governor OF Shantung, arrived
this morning, and 1t was estimated
that 5000 will have reached the city
by tonight.
Officers of the Shantung forces said
that the northern Chinese battle
squadron of 16 ships already had LETT
Tsingtao, Shantung territory. and
was due very shortly at Woosung an
chorage, off Shanghai. The vessels,
one OF which is manned by Russians,
also are bringing considerable Shan,
tung land forces.
Clash Is Reported.
1t was reported that a clash occurred.
yesterday north Of kashing between
the Nationalists and soldiers of the
defeated Marshal Sun. The engage
ment was not decisive. the northern
army having been weakened by de-
sertions and lowered morale. 1t also
was learned today that the National
lists are operating troop trains be-
tween Hangchow and Kashing, hav-
ing captured some of the rolling stock
formerly controlled by Sun.
The northern forces have retired to
A,ngkiang, only % miles from Shang
hal. 1t Is estimated that their
strength there is not more than $4,000
men and that quick reinforcements
from the Shantungese vii be needed
IL the city is to be held against the
advancing southerners.
The Shanghai labor situation is
virtually normal. Not more than
$4,000 men are still striking. The re-
mainder have returned to work under
the general labor unions order calling
off the general strike yesterday. How
ever, radical intimidation of work
ers continues. Leaflets were dis
tributed among post Office employees
promising death to those who dis
obeyed the strike order as soon as the
revolutionary army reaches Shanghai.
No American Marines were landed
for the present, since defense plans
do not call for the use of these in
the border service. H.
The British troops occupied a 20
mile line, part of it running into Chi.
neSe territory, surrounding the inter
national settlement. Tie line was
considered indispensable to the de
Tense of the city.
Within the line formed by the
troops, but outside the settlement. re-
side 5000 foreigners. Also within the
area is foreign-owned property worth
SIG, goo 900 gold. -.
Defenses along both the interna-
tional and French settlements were
strengthened anew with barbed wire
entanglcments and sandbags. while
machine guns were mounted at
strategic positions.
French Strengthen Defense.
The French erected wire entangle-
ments along the entire boundary of
their settlement, which borders on the
native section Of the city. Twenty
French marines were landed there to
share defense of their concession with
400 Annamite troops.
The British line Of defense was set
up after a request had been made by
the Shanghai Municipal Council to
the consuls of certain powers for aid
I'M defense of the city. No request
was made to American Consul General
Gauss, since it previously had been
understood that the Americans were
not to partake in the defense OF the
border.
Local American authorities do not
believe the present situation justihes
the landing of their Marines to defent
American lives and property. They
are said to be limited by the policy
of the Washington. Government 10
this operation only.
The Associated Press was assured
that whenever the situation calls fol
American Marines, they will be landed
Immediately.
The first American landing force
now available is composed of abou'
1900 Marines. This force can be In
creased to 2.400 men by the use OF
blue jackets.
1000 British Marines On Way.
,HoNGKONG, February rs R).-
The transport Minnesota left here
today for Shanghai with 1000 British
Marines.