News In Brief

US Navy ships, envoys travel to Grenada

Ten US warships sailed toward the Caribbean island of Grenada Saturday, prompting its new Marxist leaders to mobilize their forces for a possible invasion. The purpose of the US Navy task force, which was rerouted from a mission to the Middle East, is to stand by off the coast of Grenada for a possible evacuation of US citizens there.

Meanwhile, two diplomats from the US Embassy in Barbados flew to Grenada to check on the safety of nearly 1,000 US citizens there and assist any who want to leave. The diplomats were invited by Gen. Hudson Austin, chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council now governing the island. Most of the US citizens on the island are connected with St. George's University Medical School. Thus far there has been no need to evacuate any Americans.