HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 c409W
Mr. V. Adams

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what measures are being taken to prevent imports reaching Germany through the Balkan and Mediterranean Powers?

Mr. Cross

All ships entering the Mediterranean from the Atlantic or from the Red Sea are examined at the appropriate contraband control bases. Ships plying between ports in the Mediterranean are visited at sea and, if necessary, diverted to a British or French base for examination. Where evidence of enemy destination is available, goods are, of course, seized; in other cases goods are only allowed to proceed, or to be released to the consignee, on receipt of satisfactory guarantees that they will not be re-exported in any form to the enemy.