300.115(39)/344: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—1:38 p.m.]
2666. Department’s 1625, December 16, 4 p.m. Have compared notes with Italian Embassy, Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish Legations regarding periods of detention of cargo boats. Each one except the Italian think they have not received equal treatment with other neutrals. Swedish and Norwegian think United States gets better treatment than they do but all realize that it is practically impossible to prove the point. All are very dissatisfied with the delays. Longest delay so far is one Norwegian boat 7 weeks. A comparison of the statistical data formerly published by Ministry of Economic Warfare showing the number of days boats of various nationalities are detained is of no value because such data was not entirely accurate and because any question of unequal treatment is not confirmed primarily with the averages but with specific cases. It appears to us that cargoes on Italian boats through Gibraltar receive better treatment than similar cargoes on American boats. American Consul Zagreb reports that cotton shipped by McFadden Brothers consigned to the same Dugaresa firm was released when shipped on Italian boat and seized when shipped on American boat. British Ministry of Economic Warfare has promised to write a note of explanation of this specific case. Upon receipt of their note and further information from American Consul at Zagreb as to whether cotton was unconditionally released or released only on Black Diamond guarantee we shall have more definite information on which to base a complaint. Claims of unequal treatment of boats are closely involved with question of treatment of cargoes. The question is further aggravated by an apparent failure to agree with regard to jurisdiction between French and British authorities where boats are unloaded at Oran or Marseilles. See our cable No. 2663, 3 p.m. today regarding the Nishmaha.