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Worms & C°

Cardiff, 10th April 1918
Messrs Worms & Co. - Paris

Dear Sirs,

Referring to our remarks of the 8th inst. anent French Steamers, you will doubtless have read the new Government proposals about "Man Power" set forth in the Houses of Parliament last night.
The amount of extra work now thrown on Traders by the edicts of the various controlling bodies is such locally as to render even with full Office Staffs, prompt handling a matter of almost impossibility of late; end unless you can, through the French Authorities, make such representations to the British ones, as to the National importance of the work we are doing, we shall be unable, owing to the imminent calling up of our Staff, to carry out the work entrusted to us, inasmuch as a clean sweep is being made of all eligible men. In particular, it is quite impossible for the Writer to be in two places at the same time, not to speak of three, and the retention of our Mr. S. J. Arthur is absolutely essential considering the increasing number of steamers, more especially for account of the Chargeurs réunis Cie, which he has been largely handling night and day for some time past. Others of our staff who are menaced are also essential to us in a minor degree. Nothing we can do or say on this side seemingly will now avail anything. The status of the Firm and its work, must be established as aforesaid from your side.
In this connection, our present staff, even if not interfered with, is inadequate, but we do not see how it can be augmented.
We are, dear Sirs,
Yours very truly,

G. W. Moore

Only [dire] necessity dictates this appeal which we make with great prudence.