The American President liner, Pres. night last night carrying a large number of American women and children refugees from Hongkong in addition to hee regular passengers.
The Pres. Coolidge was filled to capacity after the American Constl-General urged alt American women ind children to. leave Hongkony Soon as possible. This advice was given to Americans ofter the Hor kong Government advised the United States yesterday that the situation in kong might become critical ress of Japan had ying 1,900 wives children of British Army oticers men. The cabins of both liners.
'The British military spokesman' said here today that Brtiish Army authorities in Hongkong had no Knowledge of reports that the British garrison" in Shanghai was being transferred to Hongkong.
Hongkong, Service scheme was abandoned here today.
'A total of 2.129 women and children registered for evacuation yesterday, which is less than was expected. The Jsmatl number resistored indicated that 'a large number of families would seek exemption under the modified evacuation orders allowing those reistered for war work to remain in the colony.
Informed sources understood the Government did not intend evacuate ing British citizens in Canton, Many Toeat Government and business officials' wives left here for Canton are allowed to go to places Manila." the Government spokesman said, "providing they pay their own fares. There is ne question of diser The spokesman added, however, that "people going to Canton won't be able to sneak back just when they please." British women of Portuguese descent began registering today which were reserved for offers, were crammed with camp beds placed inches apart.
Refugees on the Empress of Japan were served a soldier's dinner of potato soup, army stew, bread, cheese and water from tin mugs last night fas they got their first taste of war.
Meanwhile, preparations for the evacuation of the remaining Ameri can und European women and. chile dren from Hongkong were being rushed today. Although the two ships which sailed yesterday were crowded, British authorities predicted that future evacuation ships would carry. for greater numbers of refugees United Press.
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