preparatory measures

But in 1876–78, the British Raj’s response to a drought on the Deccan Plateau and in northwest India was woeful in terms of both preparatory measures and famine relief.

He says his department “has taken the necessary preparatory measures for this and is prepared to increase its staff numbers at any time if needed.”

He added: "I will also be instructing Directly Operated Railways, a government owned company, to undertake the minimum preparatory measures necessary to operate train services in circumstances where I am unable to agree the terms of an interim agreement with the existing train operator."

Greek politicians need to formulate a plan B. With preparatory measures and popular mobilisation, the shock of default and exit could be lessened.

These preparatory measures had all been taken in gloomy silence.