Dignitaries Coming down Gang Plank

The headgear says it all in this parade of VIPs

Several plumed cocked hats signify that the men in this film are very important indeed (General Officer rank, at least). However a break in the film leaves us unclear as to the purpose of their visit. Having descended the gangplank the group seem to almost immediately depart... only to be caught in a traffic jam at the top of the stairs.