New Britain herald., 1927-03-28
U. S. However, Con-
tinues With Plans to
Augm e mt Fighting
Force in Eastern Wa
tiers to Cope With Any
Emergency.
Exodus of Foreigners
From Various Areas
Held by Nationalist Is
Being Continued.
SHANGHAI GENERAL
STRIKE IMPENDING

Washington, March IS tPl-frhe
pail Of anxiety which has hovered
over Washington since the Chinese
situation became acute was lifted
slightly. but pcrccptibly, today by
word that another day had passed
without a serious outbreak of anti
foreign violence in that war ridden
country.
Landing Party Returns.
Admiral Williams, commanding
the concentration of American ships
and marines at Shanghai reported
to the navy department that he had
returned to shipboard d landing
force from the cruiser Pittsburgh,
which was rushed ashore yesterday
Y hen it was learned that the Chi
nese would stage a demonstration in
the native city TO demand return to
their hands of concessions in the in
tprnational settlement.
Bluciackcts Join Marines.
The blue Jackets Joined the force
OF l,5GU marines already ashore un-
der command of Brigadier General
Smedlcy Il, Butler. but, although
the demonstration occurred it was
not followed by any violence ncccs-
stating the use of the additional
iorCc.
Secretary Wilbur received the re-
port of Aniral Williams with mani
fest qualification and hurried to the
White House to inform President
Coolidge that the situation at Shang-
hal was easier for the moment at
Least.
Go On With Plans.
Nevertheless, facing a condition
fraught with the gravest danger to
American lives and property. the
American government went forward
with its plans Of reinforcing the
command Of Admiral Williams, to
whom has been intrusted the diff
cult and delicate task OF throwing
safeguards about those who have
been endangered during the sweep
of the Cantonese army over a large
part of China.
The 1900 marines ordered to San
Diego to be embarked on the trans
port Henderson We're being gathered
from posts along the Atlantic coast,
and the Henderson by radio today
announced she would enter San
Diego harbor on Apriln 3. ready to
take them aboard for the trip
across the Pacific.
Three More Dcstroycrs.
Three American dcstroyers joined
Admiral Williams forces at Shay
hal, today, and three cruisers are en-
route from Honolulu and should lc
available for his use rs the ncces-
sity requires within few days.
Officials here have expressed the
hope that this force would be suf-
ficicnt. but whether it could cope
with an extensive outbreak against
foreigners remains 20 be seen.
Closing ConsuIatcs.
In line with its policy OF getting
Americans ont of the Chinese dam
ger bones. the state department has
decided to close the remote consul
atcs at Changsha and Chunking
when evacuation of American ma
tionalists at those points has been
completed. The consuls will retire
to the coast and warships at the two
cities then can be withdrawn.
Authority to close the conS'llates
was asked by Minister MacMurray
of the state department, owing to
their isolated situation, with Amer
leans removed from danger there
will be no reason to continue the
consulates as American commercial
activities in the regions will Geese
until the present disturbance Is over.
Strike Impcnds.
Julian Arnold, American CONNER
cial attachc for China, cabled the
commerce department today that a
general strike is impending In
Shanghai
Postal service is disrupted and
business is paralyzed. Preparations
for defense are being fastened. TIL"
situation is most tense and martial
law is being strictly enforced over
NIL area within the city"
Exodus Continues.
Shanghai, March IS P-Tho exo-