INTERCEPTION OF GERMAN COAL

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21056, 7 March 1940, Page 6

INTERCEPTION OF GERMAN COAL

Britain’s decision to apply the contraband laws to Italian imports of German coal as well as to German imports by other countries has created a delicate situation between London and Rome at an unfortunate time. But if the position is viewed dispassionately it must be admitted that Britain has been even more considerate to Italy than to other countries. For three months she has delayed the application of control to allow Italy to make other arrangements for supplies of coal. Italy was worthy of special consideration with regard to coal for the reason that she is almost wholly dependent on imports.

Italy’s objection to the interception of her coal imports from Germany can well be understood even if it cannot be allowed to prejudice the Allies’ war effort. If Italy ceases to import from Germany and transfers her custom to Britain, she will incur the wrath of the Nazis and make more real the danger of embroilment in the conflict. Germany will not listen, or will pretend not to listen, to the perfectly sound excuse that the diversion of coal supplies is beyond Italy’s control. Germany will urge Italy to act lor several reasons, chief of which are the German desire to export as much as possible to acquire foreign exchange, to maintain trading contact with Italy and to exclude the Allies from the market. But Italy need not fear damaging reprisals from Germany, because the Nazis do not want to make enemies of the Italians.

Britain has promised to supply Italy with the coal she needs, providing satisfactory arrangements can be made for payment. Negotiations are still proceeding, and although bitter feeling has been caused it is possible that an amicable settlement will be made. Britain can scarcely be expected indefinitely to close its eyes to the fact of German export trade to Italy when German trade with all other countries is closely controlled. The law may be unpleasant for all parties concerned, but it is one of the grim realities of war and has been accepted as legitimate procedure. Britain has been applying the control with the greatest possible measure of consideration for 4 he neutral countries. The present circumstances will impose the real test on the relations among Britain, Italy and Germany.