In discussions which preceded yesterday's announcement of the step described as the transferring of contraband-operations from the seas to quays, there was full contact with the United States, writes Reuter's Lobby Correspondent. It is believed the Americans will welcome the extension of the navicert system. One of the features of the plan is to allow neutrals approximately two months' supplies required for their domestic purposes.
"The Atlantic islands referred to in the annoüneement are the Azores, Cape Verde and the Canaries.
Despite all the stocks Hitler seized asia result of recent victories, there is no doubt in authoritative quarters he is getting into increasing difficulties regarding certain essential commodities. It is known he is short of ferrous alloys, and that his position is not strong in regard to supplies of
short of oil. copper, tin and fats, and that he is} Mil In regard to oil, it is felt if he uses oil at an increasing rate and if the Royal Air Force continues its work on enemy oil supplies, and the British blockade is effective in the eastern Mediterranean, Hitler will be in very great difficulties in a period not measured in years, but in months.
Both Portugal and Spain will be closely affected by the announcements.
A special watch will be kept on the importation of oil, especially lubricating oil, in regard to which Spain has recently been importing Supplies out of proportion to current enter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.