HC Deb 29 May 1940 vol 361 c524
9. Captain Plugge

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, before the fall of Rotterdam, the numerous neutral and Dutch ships were evacuated in time so as not to fall into the hands of the enemy?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Sir Victor Warrender)

The Admiralty have no direct control over Dutch or neutral vessels, but the numerous vessels which took our advice were sailed and afforded every facility for reaching an Allied port.