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I also want to raise with you the question of costs. Some of these, c.g. feeding. victualling, medical supplies, may be recoverable through the UNHCR. But the loss of earnings, e.g. when a ship is put off-hire, and the daily cost of operating the ship, is certainly not recoverable. As Masters are only acting in these cases in accordance with their legal obligations, I think it is only fair that the companies concerned should be reimbursed their non-recoverable costs for the period during which, through no fault of their own, they have lost revenue.
I further wish to emphasise the danger to the British flag and to British overseas carnings if charterers begin to get the impression that British ships, through fulfilling their international obligations, may be a bad commercial risk. In this way not only owners but the country itself could lose vast sums.
Finally, I understand that you discussed the public relations aspect of this whole business yesterday evening. As was then said we certainly have no wish to embarrass the Government by injudicious press statements or briefing. We fully realise, as I have said, the Government's difficulties. But, of course, we cannot control what the media may say or write, or interviews which enterprising journalists and television commentators may secure, particularly in the Far East. Nor can we control what our individual members may say. At the same time we owe it to our members to say something, and I would like to follow up the offer which I understand you made yesterday evening to clear a GCBS statement. I attach a draft of such a statement and would be grateful to know what you think of this. We would obviously like to get this out as soon as possible, so perhaps reactions could be telephoned through to Mr. Shovelton's office.
I am sending a copy of this letter to the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.
Yours sincerely
Janned Repuer.
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