TNA ADM 199 792

COPY.
HOME OFFICE,
9
WHITEHALL.
URGENT AND CONFIDENTIAL.
20th January, 1940.
S
929
dam he
1940
Dear Cadogen,
I had a conference this morning with representatives of the Admiralty, the Ministry of
Health and the Ministry of Food on the question of what provisional arrangements can be made for a to situation which would arise If large numbers of en
Dutch and Belgian refugees came to this country
3
owing to the invasion of Holland and Belgium. The view of the Admiralty is that their representatives in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rotterdam ought to have instructions which would enable them to tell the captains of Dutch and Belgian ships where they must go if they are bringing refugees to the United Kingdom.
Moreover, It appears from the discussion with the
Admiralty that there are insupurable difficulties about bringing these ships into London or ports on the South and Best coast. We urged upon the Admiralty being nad 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./

Note: Ships can carry 80000
HO expect 500, 000.
11061/40 40
laps application
MEMORANDUM.
DTD)
Evacuation of Shipping from Dutch and Belgian Ports.
14
In an emergency it is lik;; y that a large number of ships will wish to clear from the three chief ports, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp, and that they will carry a great many refugees. The ships may not be confined to those wearing the Dutch and Belgian flags.
It is known that on 16th January 50 ships were in
Amsterdam and 75 in Rotterdam, their sizes ranging from the smallest to 16,000 tons. The number in Antwerp, including Ghent
(for which figures have not yet been secured) was possibly between
50 and 75. In addition there are known to be 200 small coasters laid up in Dutch ports.
2.
No estimate can be formed of the number of refugees likely to demand passage, but it may well be great, and the probability is that no provision will be made for victualling those who embark and who may be forced to remain in the ships for a fortnight or more.
3.
A very rough high limit of the number which should properly be allowed to embark is suggested to be 80,000. This is based on the assumptions that the greater part of the shipping referred to in paragraph 1 sails for United Kingdom anchorages, and that the numbers embarked will be subject to control, regard being had 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./

MEMORANDUM.
Evacuation of Shipping from Dutch and Belgian Ports.
Note: The Home Office
In an emergency it is likely that a large number of ships expoctation? 500, 000 upples will wish to clear from the three chief ports, Amsterdam, Rotterdam mush he modified to 80, 000
atailable in in thiffing in the fish the hims I accomordation and Antwerp, and that they will carry a great many refugees. The ships may not be confined to those wearing the Dutch and Belgian flags.
instruck.
Others may come befare have, or
It is known that on 16th January 50 ships were in later.
Amsterdam and 75 in Rotterdam, their sizes ranging from the smallest to 16,000 tons. The number in Antwerp, including Ghent
(for which figures have not yet been secured) was possibly between fuhere ent
50 and 75. In addition there are known to be 200 small coasters
You had laid up in Dutch ports.
confiss Turneral water This a)
2.
No estimate can be formed of the number of refugees likely to demand passage, but it may well be great, and the probability is uples that no provision will be made for victualling those who embark and who may be forced to remain in the ships for a fortnight or more,
5-4898 unless the shur phen end) up with Through
=) Belgin
3.
A very rough high limit of the number which should n3 200 ships with properly be allowed to embark is suggested to be 80,000. This
400 passelles each is based on the assumptions that the greater part of the shipping
80, oro referred to in paragraph 1 sails for United Kingdom anchorages, and that the numbers embarked will be subject to control, regard
200 coasters with being had for their safety and health during a 3 to 4 days winter go stenges each voyage.
= 4000
This estimate is offered with the greatest reserve, and should be subject to improvement in the light of fuller information.