§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What in their view will be the status in international law of British flag ships in trade, which have been adapted at Government expense to be used in emergency support of naval operations; and whether or not they are likely to be deemed warships by any foreign Governments or port authorities.
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthIn international law such ships, while in trade, would be merchant ships. In view of this it is perhaps unlikely that any foreign Governments or port authorities would attempt to deem them warships