TNA ADM 199 792

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 13.

3.
/
the Dutoh and Belgian authorities that arrangements
11
a
for sending the larger ships - the long journey will
be essential. If the Datch and Belgian authorities
S
know this beforehand, they will have B chance to make
dam
arrengements for provisioning the ships and warning
he
the captains not to allow on board more passengers
than can be conveyed on so lengthy a journey.
If no such warning is given beforehend the
gravest difficulties may arise. In an emergency large
numbers of persons may crowd on to an ill-provided boat
75
and the captain, who has been contemplating a short
en
journey, will then be told by the Admiralty representative
3
that he has to make a three days' journey.
I imagine the difficulties of consultation with
the authorities of these countries are serious.
on n the
Ly
other hand, if no such consultation takes place the
gravest troubles may arise and the British Government
may be accused of lack of humanity in foreing an 111-
including children aga mifim persons
provided ship crowded with distressed people to take 80
long a journey.
us
The Admiralty representative told se that their
officers in the Dutch and Belgian ports are at present
being nad for their sarety 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./