ITALIAN COLLIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1940, Page 5

ITALIAN COLLIERS

TRYING TO RUN BLOCKADE DEPARTURES FROM ROTTERDAM POSSIBILITIES OF LAND TRANSPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) ROTTERDAM, March 5. Several Italian colliers, laden with German coal, sailed yesterday in an attempt to run the British blockade. Five more sailed today and others are preparing to leave. Nazi sources stated that Germany began exporting coal to Italy, via the Brenner Pass in 1935-36. Land transport is perfect feasible, but it is admitted’to be more expensive. There also is a shortage of German rolling stock.

SHIPS DETAINED

SOME THREATS IN ROME. POSSIBILITY OF “GRAVE DEVELOPMENTS.” (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 5. Two Italian ships, the Grata and Loassa, both outward bound from Rotterdam, have been diverted into the Downs for examination to ascertain if they are carrying German exports, especially coal, which is subject to seizure. ’ Mr R. H. Cross, in the House of Commons confirmed the seizure of two ships carrying German coal and added that any ship carrying German coal from a neutral port would be detained. The export of coal from Rotterdam in Italian vessels has now ceased. The British United Press’ Rome correspondent says official circles are surprised at the detention of the two coal ships. The situation is regarded as greatly aggravated, and it is authoritatively' stated that the British action might lead to grave development.