TIGHTER CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 179, 1 August 1940, Page 6

TIGHTER CONTROL

BRITISH BLOCKADE

THE NAVICERT SYSTEM EXTENDED (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 30. The British Government’s new measures to enforce contraband control were described in the House of Commons by the Minister of Economic Warfare (Dr. Hugh Dalton). He pointed out that the German occupation of the western European coastline from the North Cape to the Pyrenees had greatly changed the conditions of the economic war.

Britain must now control not only shipping approaching the Mediterranean, but all ships crossing the Atlantic. To apply this control in the old way would mean diverting many ships far out of their courses to contraband control bases in British waters, either in the United Kingdom or in western Africa, To avoid causing such grave inconvenience the British Government had decided to extend the navicert system to all seaborne goods for any European port, as well as to certain Atlantic islands and certain neutral ports in North Africa. In future ships sailing from a neutral port to any of those destinations must obtain navicerts for all items of their cargo, and a certificate covering the ship at the last port of loading. Any consignment not covered by navicerts and any vessels without a ship's certificate would ne liable to be seized by a British patrol. The same rules would apply to outgoing trade. Ships must have certificates to prove that all the items of their cargo are not of enemy origin. Any ships whose cargo was not fully certified would be liable to be seized along with the items of cargo not covered. An Order-in-Council giving effect to these changes is to be issued at once.

Dr. Dalton said it had been suggested in some quarters that Britain intended to extend the blockade tc

certain neutral countries. That was not so. Where supplies could reach neutrals without risk of their falling into enemy hands, Britain would grant navicerts for imports equal to the neutral countries’ home consumption, but not for re-export. It would be the Government’s policy not merely to allow such supplies to pass her patrols, but to assist the neutrals to obtain them. These measures would

greatly benefit neutrals engaged in ronest trade, for delays would be greatly reduced.

At the same time the measures would strike a heavy blow at those who tried to elude the British control and carry supplies to ot from the enemy. The Government had decided with regret that it must treat the whole of France, as well as Algeria, Tunisia and French Morocco, as

enemy-controlled territory for th purposes of contraband and expor control. Goods for all those territorie and originating from them were liabl to be placed in prize.

NO NAVICERTS FOR OIL FOR SPAIN STOCKS HIGH RELATIVE TO INTERNAL CONSUMPTION NO EVIDENCE OF RE-EXPORT TO GERMANY LONDON, July 30. The British Munster of Economics, Dr. Hugh Dalton, in the House <>i Commons, announced that the Government was sending a representative from the Ministry of Economic Warfare to Spain to confer with the authorities regarding the oil position. The Government desires Spain to receive adequate supplies lor her own consumption, but not lor export. Oil shipments to Spain from the United States for the nrst half o£ 1940 were substantially greater than in the corresponding period of 1939, and "while we have no evidence of Spanish reexports of lubricating oil to Germany stocks in Spain appeared so high relative to internal consumption that no navicerts for imports are being issued.” Before the collapse of France the only route by which oil reached Germany from Spain was by the sea across the Western Mediterranean and through Italy. The French naval forces had been relied on to prevent this traffic. Since the eoilapse ol France many features of the situation had become obscure; hence the Government was sending an officer to Spain.

CONTACT WITH AMERICA DURING DISUUSdIUNS

Received July 31, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, July 31

It is revealed that the Government kept full contact with America during the discussions leading to the extension of navicerts. It is believed that Americans welcome the extension, which is described as transferring contraband operations "from the seas to the quays." A feature of it is the allowance of two months' supplies for neutrals for domestic purposes. The Atlantic islands mentioned are the Azores, Cape Verde and Canaries. The North African ports are those in Spanish Morocco and Tangier. FOREIGN SHIPPING USE OF FACILITIES CONDITIONS LAID DOWN [ British Official Wireless. ] Received July 31, 6.5 p.m. RUGBY, July 30. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Minister of Shipping (Mr. Ronald Cross) said that the course of the war made necessary new measures for the control of shipping. "Hitherto the widespread and important shipping facilities under British control have been freely available to all vessels,” no said. ‘‘Such facilities include dry docking, repairing, insurance, stores, and many minor services. It Is noi reasonable that these facilities should continue to be freely available to ship-1

owners who do not render a commensurate service in return or no those who fail to satisfy Britain that they will refrain from carrying on trade which would be injurious to the Allied war effort. The possession of a ship’s navicert for evuxy voyage which the navicert system applies will be essential.” Those giving acceptable undertakings would receive a “ship’s warrant,” which would secure them continuation of the British shipping facilities, while ships unable to produce this document would be subject to inquiries on each occasion they desired shipping services while under British control. The scheme would come into operation forthwith.