Terror Attacks on Americans in Beijing Feared

BEIJING —  China told the U.S. Embassy in Beijing that terrorists from a third country may be planning attacks on Americans in the Chinese capital, the U.S. Embassy said today.

The embassy sent out an “urgent notice to American citizens” warning them of the security threat and telling them be cautious.

Embassy officials circulated among staff members and American businessmen a 15-point list of “personal security tips” giving such advice as, “Don’t daydream while traveling to and from work,” and, “Vary your activities, times and transport routes.”

The notice said there is no specific information on the time or place of such an attack. “But the embassy believes that this warning reflects a genuine threat and that American citizens in the Beijing area should take appropriate steps to protect themselves,” it said.

Consular Office Second Secretary Dewey Pendergrass said the embassy was informed of the threat Wednesday by high-level public security officials.

Chamber Meeting

“We’re taking it seriously,” he said.

Pendergrass said an emergency meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing was called today to discuss the threat.

It said Americans should not be lured into conversations with strangers and should not stop where crowds have gathered as a result of a traffic accident or supposed misunderstanding.

The notice recommended that American citizens avoid gathering points for Americans or foreigners, such as certain restaurants, markets or nightclubs.

It went out to all registered American residents in Beijing and the port city of Tianjin 60 miles to the southeast.

About 1,100 Americans living in the Chinese capital have registered at the embassy. It is believed there are another 400 to 500 Americans, mainly students, who have not notified the embassy of their presence in Beijing.

So far there have been no reported incidents in China of terrorists attacking Chinese or foreign citizens.

Embassy spokeswoman Sylvia B. Rifkin said the embassy previously has sent out warnings to Americans based on worldwide alerts against terrorists, but this was the first time the warning specifically concerned China.