Fears of violence in Melbourne similar to the clashes that blighted Sydney last week are easing, although the United States has told its citizens in Australia to remain cautious.
Islamic leaders have condemned a text message calling for Muslims to protest on Sunday at the State Library against the denigration of the prophet Mohammed in a video. Police say they are not expecting a large turnout and that a coherent protest is unlikely.
While text messages and a Facebook page had suggested a counter anti-Muslim rally, police believe this threat has been exaggerated.
Meanwhile, the US consulate yesterday sent a letter titled "Emergency Message for US Citizens" to all registered citizens in Australia, saying that "law enforcement authorities" had advised that anti-American demonstrations were possible on Saturday and Sunday in Melbourne and Sydney.
"Should they occur, US citizens should avoid the immediate demonstration areas," the letter reads. "Fast-forming anti-American protests in Australia remain possible."
A spokeswoman for the US consulate told Fairfax Media that the last time such a warning was issued to its citizens was for the Queensland floods in early 2011.
The letter also urges Americans to avoid attracting attention to themselves as US citizens.
"The Department of State remains concerned about the threat of violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world. US citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," it reads.
Comment has been sought from US expats in Australia, but a copy of the US consulate letter posted on a popular message board last night had not had any responses by this afternoon. There were no other postings on the Melbourne Expat American Meetup Group page that suggested that US citizens should be cautious.
A Victoria Police spokesman said "contingencies" were in place that would allow a large group of officers to be deployed quickly should trouble start.
It does not appear that US-owned businesses in Melbourne's CBD are expecting any type of backlash.
A spokeswoman for McDonald's declined to comment on whether staff had been told to be on alert this weekend.
