Children for Overseas The suggestion that the scheme for the
evacuation of British children to the United States and Canada may have to be seriously limited, or even suspended altogether, is disturbing. There are arguments for and against the scheme, but those in favour heavily predominate, particularly as regards children under sixteen. Certain considerations no doubt ought to be given full weight. Every provision must be made for the safety of the children, and the fate of the Arandora Star' shows that actual convoy, even in the case Of fast ships, is necessary. That may be difficult, for the tasks falling on the Navy are very much increased now that the French Fleet has to be written off, or in some circumstances regarded even as a hostile factor. But all this was known when Mr. Shakespeare presented the scheme to the House of Commons last week, to the general approval. American hospitality in the matter of the children has been lavish, and to fail to take advantage of it would be almost a rebuff. In the worst event it is imperative that clear and convincing explanations of what our difficulties are should be provided. Americans will not fail to understand, and they may be the more inclined to take the step which some New York papers are urging and send ships themselves to fetch the children. There would be little risk, for even the Nazis can hardly want to torpedo children under sixteen. The com- ment of the President's secretary, that Britain can apparently spare ships all right to carry internees across the Atlantic Was less than fair. This is a measure not of convenience but of Military safety.
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