300.115(39)/345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—10:21 a.m.]
564. My 551, December 12, 7 p.m. Consulate General at Naples reports Exochorda arrived Naples after being held 9 days at Gibraltar on account of 45 tons tin plate which were condemned by Prize Court. The master was permitted to proceed after promising to ship these 45 tons to Marseille from Genoa. However, in the cargo were another 100 tons tin plate shipped on separate bill of lading to same consignee in Switzerland through same agent at Genoa. This shipment was put on a “detained list” and is being held in Genoa at the disposal of the British Consul.
The difference in treatment between two identical shipments goes a long way to show that the British Control is arbitrary, careless and casual. The Export Lines complain particularly of not being able to find out from the London Control Board why their ships are being held up, saying they could remedy the situation if they were properly informed.
I have taken up with the British Ambassador here this and similar cases. He is fully aware of the irritation and resentment which the Control is engendering in American commercial and shipping circles. He tells me that he has repeatedly and strongly brought the facts to the attention of the British Foreign Secretary. He even went to Malta to see the British Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Forces to explain the situation to him. I am therefore doubtful whether anything further can be accomplished through the British Embassy here but I should be interested to know what, if any, steps are being taken through London with regard to the Mediterranean situation.