Fries, Beer Mark Fourth for Americans Abroad

Americans overseas marked the Fourth of July with Big Macs and fries in Beijing, California champagne in Moscow and beer and wurst in Frankfurt.

In Manila, anti-American militants observed the day by burning the U.S. flag.

A crew from McDonald’s in Hong Kong flew to China for the occasion and prepared the coveted burgers and fries on the U.S. Embassy grounds in a tradition begun in 1983.

Despite gray skies and a mid-afternoon shower, about 900 Americans showed up for the annual party, munching to the strains of country music.

Last year, the embassy held only a small ceremony for its personnel. Nearly all Americans in Beijing had fled after the June 3-4 military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. The event was a bit cheerier this year, with the addition of a barbershop quartet and a band.

In Moscow, curious Soviet citizens gathered outside the gates of Spaso House, the residence of U.S. Ambassador Jack F. Matlock Jr., watching the arrival of guests at the annual Fourth of July reception.

Guests mingled on the lawn in the hazy sunshine, enjoying California champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

A huge American flag was draped from the second story of Matlock’s residence.

But the flag did not fare so well in the Philippines, where about 500 militants protesting U.S. bases in the country burned a flag in front of the embassy to mark July 4--which is also Philippine-American Friendship Day.

About 100 riot police stood guard, but there were no clashes.

In West Germany, where a quarter million U.S. military personnel live along with their families, celebrations were held at Frankfurt’s East Park carnival grounds, and they included amusement park rides and an old-fashioned rodeo as well as traditional German beer and wurst.

In Paris, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a multimillion-dollar American Center on the eastern edge of the city.

Designed by architect Frank O. Gehry of Santa Barbara, Calif., the new center will be the biggest cultural center in Paris, Mayor Jacques Chirac told hundreds of guests.

The new facility, which will cost $27 million, is to open in 1992.