TNA ADM 199 792

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of
10
or
representatives that in such an emergency 10 would be
most desirable to bring the refugees to the nearest
port, and that from our point of view there would be
S
many advantages in bringing a large proportion of them
dam
to London; but the dmiralty pointed out the objections
he
to this course, and after prolonged discussion we all
felt bound to accept the Admiralty view, which is this:
that about 100 small ships should be sent to Poole but
that all the larger shipe ought to be sent round the
West
Best cosst to Belfast Looh and to the Clyde.
The
to
journey to Belfast Looh or the Clyde will take about
en
three days. It is therefore essential that the ships
carrying
m
which are to make such a journey crowded with refugees
(a) shall be properly equipped with food and water,
and (b) shall know that they have to make this journey
y
and shall limit the number of passengers accordingly.
Captains who might take 8. large number of passengers on
board if they were only about to make a short journey
would have to limit the numbers very severely in many
cases if they knew they had to make a two or three days
journey.
The problem then is:is there any means of telling
being naa for their safety and health during a 3 to 4 days winter
voyage.
This estimate is offered with the greatest reserve, and
should be subject to improvement in the light of fuller
information.
4./