COAL FOR ITALY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 9

COAL FOR ITALY

GERMAN CONSIGNMENTS BRITAIN STOPS SHIPS CONCERN FELT IN ROME By Telcgriph—Press Association —Copyright (Received March 6. 11 p.m.) LONDON. March 0 British warships have detained four more Italian coal ships, the Caterina, formerly the Forunata, the Absirtea, Felce and Numidia. The captains stated that they had been informed that the British authorities would allow them to go to Genoa, in spite of official statements in London yesterday denying reports that shipments would be allowed for two months.

An earlier report said that several Italian colliers, laden with German coal, had sailed from Rotterdam to attempt to run the British blockade. Two Italian ships, the Grata and Loassa, both outward bound from Rotterdam, were diverted into the Downs for examination to ascertain if they were carrying German exports, especially coal, which is subject to seizure. Several Ships Still in Harbour

A Rotterdam message states that there are still several Italian ships loaded with coal waiting in the harbour. Air. R. H. Cross. .Minister of Kconomie Warfare, in the House of Commons confirmed the seizure of two ships carrying German coal. He said

that any ship carrying German coal from a neutral port would be detained and added that the export of coal from Rotterdam in Italian vessels had now ceased. The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says official circles in Italy are surprised at the detention of the coal ships. The situation is regarded in Rome as being greatly aggravated. Authoritatively, it is stated that the British action might lead to grave developments.

Official Attitude Restrained

The seizure of their colliers has stunned the Italians, who feel that Britain is treating the matter as a minor incident, says the Rome correspondent of the New York limes. Ihe Italians say they are not a small neutral, but a first-rate Power, and demand to he treated as such. The official attitude is restrained and newspapers arc forced to handle their reports soberly. Nazi sources stated that Germany began exporting coal to Italy by way of the Brenner Pass in 1935-36. Land transport is perfectly feasible, but it is admitted that it is more expensive and there is also a shortage of German rolling stock.

ITALIAN PROTEST BRITISH ATTENTION SITUATION REALISED MEANS FOR SOLUTION British Wireless LONDON, March 5 Italy's Note of protest against the British decision to arrest Geiman exports of coal to Italy by son continues to receive the close attention of the British Government. It is fully realised here that the decision has aroused the deep resentment of the Italian Government.

In addition to particular reference to the stopping of Germany's sea-borne coal exports the protest has a general bearing upon the whole system of checking exports from Germany. The Times refers to attempts made to reach an agreement by offering Italy British instead of German coal, and also points out that it is known by Italy that British negotiators have throughout made a sincere attempt to cushion the effects of the state of war. "Given goodwill on both sides, it is inconceivable in these circumstances that the two Governments should not resolve this problem, complicated in detail but simple in principle, in further negotiation," says the Times.