Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-22
Seven U. S. Craft Ordered
to Patrol River and Help
Chinece Authorities.
AMERICAN AT HANK0W
SAFE, BUT WOMEN FLEE
Capt. Yancey S. Williams Is Kept
in Stricken Area to Direct Gun.
boats Disaster Work.

By the Associated Press
SHANGHAI. August 22.-The United
States Asiatic feet modified all its po-
tentially useful units today for emer-
gency work in the great nood-stricker
areas along the Yangtze River.
Mobilization was carried out in obedi-
ence TO orders from the Navy Depart
ment at washington.
The American Navy already has af-
forded the most valuable aid, It's wire
less facilities being the only means OF
communication between Shanghai and
Hankow. The Chinese telegraph system
Is virtually useless.
River conditions obviate the use OF
larger vessels, such as destroyers, which
would have to keep in midstream. With
the river spreading over miles OF ter
Titory it would be difhcult to keep to
the main channel.
Four U. S. Craft on River Now.
That branch OF the American feet
known as the Yankt5e patrol, composed
Of seven specially constructed river gun
boats, put all its reserve units into
problems which 1t expects to encounter
up the river.
The Luzon, flagship of the patrol
fleet, with Capt. Yancey s. Williams
aboard, and also the Guam, maintained
their station at Hankow. The Oahu
and the Panay were cruising nearby
waters toward Ichang, Changsha and
Kiukiang
The Tutuila, which has been given
an overhauling here, will sail up the
river Tuesday. The smaller and older
vessels, the Palos and the Monocacy
which have been held in reserve for
several months, are being recommis-
stoned and renamed, preparing to
sail up the Yangtze about September !.
Taylor to Relieve Mcvay.
Because Of the food, Capt. williams
was ordered to remain at Hankow in
stead of coming to Shanghai September
to attend the ceremony in which
win surrender command of the Amer
lean Asiatic Fleet to Rear Admiral
Montgomery Meigs Taylor.
Admiral McVay arrived here TO-DAY
from Tsingta0 aboard his flagship thu
Houston Admiral Taylor Is due here
August IS from the United States.
The Navy carefully surveyed the situ-
alton at Hankow ana aScertatned no
Americans were In need of foodstuffs OF
other aid for the present. The sailors
prepared, however. to feed their COM
patriots II necessary.
Americans Stay In HankOw.
Despite the discomfort and the APP
palling nature OF their surroundings.
all male American residents of Hankow
were remaining there, attempting to
carry on business and safeguard the
property interests Of their firms. Thus
far all are safe.
A few American women remained at
Hankow, but the majority fed to Sum-
mer resorts in the mountains before
the flood reached the city.
American naval officers said there
was little their gunboats could do, as
the vessels were unsuited to the evacu4
alton OF refugees or for carrying sup
plies In the huge quantities needed.
They made known. however. that in ad-
dition to their normal mission of pro-
tecting American lives and property
they were ready TO aid Chinese authori-
ties where possible.
Naval opinion was that the situation
likely would become more acute rs the
waters recede. The food itself, thus
far. has prevented exposure to certain
dangers, since 1t Is impossible for the
destitute millions TO traverse the water
swept highways.