§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Economic Warfare what cargo was carried by the Vichy ship "Azic," from Bordeaux to Casablanca, which justified its seizure by the British Navy; and whether there is a regular system of sending such cargoes from France to North Africa?
§ Mr. FootMy hon. and gallant Friend refers no doubt to the French steamship "Isac," which was intercepted on 19th July on passage from Bordeaux to Casablanca. The ship was carrying three locomotive chassis and parts weighing 127 tons, 165 tons of sugar and 248 tons of general cargo for Casablanca, Dakar and other West African ports. This vessel was seized under Article 2 of the Reprisals Order in Council of 31st July, 1940, whereby any vessel on her way from a port through which goods might come from enemy territory, and which is not provided with a valid ship navicert, is deemed to be carrying goods of enemy origin or ownership and shall be liable to seizure as prize. As regards the second part of the Question, my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that there is an extensive traffic between French Mediterranean ports and ports in North Africa.312W In addition, there are occasional sailings between French-occupied ports and Casablanca and Dakar.