Detained & Released; Detained

TUE 5 DEC 1939
U.S. freighter Exochorda is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities, who maintain that the 45 tons of tin plate among the vessel's cargo is contraband. The latter maintain that the cargo must be taken to Marseilles and unloaded there; the manager of the shipping firm (Export Lines) maintains that the ship cannot proceed to a belligerent port without violating the Neutrality Act. Until the impasse is resolved, the merchantman remains at Gibraltar (see 13 December). Freighter Exmouth, detained at Gibraltar since 22 November, is released.

U.S. freighter Yaka is detained at the Downs by British authorities (see 6 December).