ENEMY SHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 14

ENEMY SHIPS

CARGOES TO DOMINION STEPS FOR DELIVERY REQUEST BY GOVERNMENT Information that the Government has asked the Associated Chambers of Commerce to undertake the work involved in obtaining for New Zealand consignees the cargoes in enemy ships sheltering in neutral ports lias been given to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce by the parent body. A licence to act in that capacity is being issued. 1

It is explained that no action can be taken in obtaining goods from enemy ships by any person, linn or company which involves payment to the ship ol any charges. Such a payment would bo a contravention of the Enemy Trading Emergency Regulations, 1939, unless it is permitted under licence issued by tho Minister of Industries and Commerce.

Prior to the associated chambers being asked to act it was possible to obtain individual licences under the regulations. Two only were issued and the linns concerned were successful in obtaining goods from the Strasfurt. Nothing prevents any individual cargo owner from taking such steps to dispose of his cargo other than in New Zealand, provided lie does not engage to do any act which might benefit the enemy or in any way contravene the emergency regulations. Regarding the scuttling of the German ship Heidelberg it is now ascertained tliat no cargo destined for New Zealand was unloaded at Aruba. Cargo which was the property of refugees in tho Dominion has been lost.