Tension and Preparation for Emergency Evacuation

Letter to Jim from the American Consulate, September 22, 1938:

"Sir (or Madam):

This office has been considering a plan for assisting Americans in this consular district in the even of an emergency and this letter is the result of a consultation held at the consulate between a few leading Americans.

"I wish to state at the outset that I do not wish to alarm you unduly and that I know no more concerning the possibility of war than appears in the newspapers. The international tension seems to have relaxed somewhat, but it was agreed at the meeting above mentioned that a rough plan of action be outlined.

"The following points were considered:
1. In the event of war, Newcastle-on-Tyne would probably be bombed from the air.
2. Such attack might be made with suddenness leaving no time for evacuation.
3. Events might so shape themselves as to give warning of hostilities and make immediate evacuation desirable.

"In the case of (2), it was agreed that it would be unwise, if not impossible, for Americans to attempt any concerted action. They should place themselves in the hands of the British authorities and adopt such measures for their safety as these recommended. . .

Letter to Jim from American Consulate, Sept. 29, 1938

". . .For your information, there are estimated to be about 125 Americans, including men, women and children, in the four counties comprising this consular district, namely, Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland and Westmorland, and the County Borough of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire; 106 of these are registered at the consulate. If you know of any Americans who are not registered, please ask them to call at the consulate at once. . .

"Very truly yours,
Harold Playter
American Consul."

Letter to Jim from the American Consulate, September 24, 1938:

"Sir (or Madam):

". . .You will have noted that the situation has grown more tense during the past two days. Cook's tourist agency informs this office that a general exodous [sic] westward of Americans has begun. It will be well to remember that if conditions grow worse bookings will be difficult to obtain. . ."

Letter to Jim from the American Consulate, October 1, 1938:

"Sir (or Madam):

Having reference to my former circulars concerning Americans, I now submit a more detailed plan. .

"Points to be remembered:

Transportation:
- Persons traveling in the cars of others can take no more baggage than they can carry in their laps.
- Dress warmly. Take blankets, if possible, and enough bread and tinned meat for two or three days.
-Travel the unfrequented roads to the Etty Farm.
-Send license numbers and description of your cars to the Consulate so that Consulate may be able to save them for confiscation and obtain petrol.

"Key Men:
-Get in touch with your key man at once. At the time of the preparation of this circular the international situation has much improved, but the British Government is still delivering gas masks and taking other precautions, and the Consulate deems it proper to develop this plan. Please cooperate.

"Very truly yours,
Harold Playter
American Consul."