§ Mr. A. Herbertasked the Minister of Economic Warfare in what practical way our present operations fall short of a full blockade, as defined by international law?
§ Mr. CrossThe essence of blockade is the prevention of all ingress to and egress from the blockaded coast or place, irrespective of the nationality of the ship or of the origin, nature, ownership or destination of her cargo.
His Majesty's Government have not declared any blockade of Germany. They have, however, instituted a system of control over imports of contraband 1776W into Germany directly or through neutral countries. This is considered effective to prevent the passage to Germany of articles useful for the prosecution of the war.