SAFETY OF CHILDREN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21167, 17 July 1940, Page 7

SAFETY OF CHILDREN

SANCTUARY IN DOMINIONS POSTPONEMENT OF SCHEME REGRET OF GOVERNMENT (Official Wireless) (Received July 17, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, July 16 Mr C. R. Attlee, Lord Privy Seal, announcing in the House of Commons that the Government had reluctantly postponed the operation of the scheme for the passage of children overseas until the situation at sea enabled them to provide a naval escort for the ships employed for this purpose, said unfortunately a radical change had occurred in the situation since applications were first invited, as a result of the loss of the service of a large part of the French Fleet. Mr Attlee added: “In the present circumstances it is essential to concentrate on Britain’s security.” He assured those ki the Dominions who had so whole-heartedly cooperated in making provision for children that the Government keenly appreciated their generosity and deeply regretted the inconvenience which the postponement of the scheme was bound to cause to those in the United States who had spared no effort to provide homes for British children. “I would like to express, on behalf of the Government, our warmest thanks,” he said. “I hope our scheme is only temporarily suspended and we may yet be able to take advantage of that large-hearted generosity.” Mr Attlee Explained that the Government would have no difficulty in providing sufficient tonnage of shipping needed to carry children. Fate of Arandora Star Mr Attlee said the fate of the Arandora Star showed that the safety of even a fast vessel could not be guaranteed without a naval escort. If children were evacuated by other means the Government would not assume the responsibility. Those already evacuated had done so without escort. Ho added that a certain number of children were going in future aboard convoyed vessels, of whom between 3000 and 4000 would be trom grantaided schols under various private schemes formulated by the United States and Dominion authorities.