BRITISH BLOCKADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 July 1940, Page 5

BRITISH BLOCKADE

NEW CONTROL METHODS DISCLOSED LIMITS ON NEUTRAL IMPORTS. CHECK ON OIL SUPPLIES TO SPAIN. The British Government’s new methods of enforcing contraband control were disclosed by the Minister of Economic Warfare, Mr Dalton, in the House of Commons, Daventry reports. They affect not only shipping approaching the Mediterranean, but all ships crossing the Atlantic. The navicert system has been extended to in-: elude all seaborne goods to any European country, certain Atlantic islands and certain ports in North Africa. Ships must obtain a navicert for all goods and a certificate at the last port of call or they will be liable to seizure by British patrols. Goods will be allowed to enter neutral countries equal to each country's home consumption, but will not be allowed for re-export. Britain, said Mr Dalton, wanted Spain to get adequate supplies of oil for internal consumption, but not for re-export. Spain's stocks of oil at present seemed so high in relation to normal consumption that no further navicerts were to be issued. Mr Cross, Minister of Shipping, stated that neutral countries would receive for each of their ships a pass called a ship’s warrant, which would give them access to commercial shipping facilities under’ British control.