U.S. Marines at Guam and San Diego Told to Prepare for Possible Duty in China

Marines at San Diego and on Guam were ordered on Wednesday to prepare for immediate service in China, where anti-foreign demonstrations threaten American lives and property, the United Press reported in the New Britain Herald. Secretary of State Kellogg, Secretary of the Navy Wilbur and Rear Admiral McVay, formerly commander of the Asiatic squadron, conferred and decided to prepare for eventualities but to delay sending additional troops pending further reports.

The Evening Star reported that the Navy is holding the marines, together with the cruiser Huron, awaiting events, and that the conference did not signify immediate action. Consular reports confirmed that many Americans had fled from Hankow, Kuling, Kiukiang and Foochow to escape mobs. The State Department said the reports did not indicate that any American had been injured at Foochow.