934 Chapter 7
Narrative: The British blockaded German exports in the early years of World War
II, and, on November 6, 1939, 700 bags of American mail en route to Germany was
seized by British forces at Gibraltar. On December 14, several American ships sus-
pected of carrying German imports and exports were diverted to British- and French-
controlled bases. The United States protested the seizures on December 27, 1939. On
January 20, 1940, the United States also protested against the continual delays and
detainment of American ships in the Mediterranean—some for as many as 18 days at a
time. On April 13, 1940, the British announced that it would begin seizing mail bound
for the United States as well. On April 26, British and American officials discussed
the mail seizures, and Britain promised the United States that any continued incon-
venience would be minimal. On October 19, 1940, however, British troops boarded
the American freighter Exeter and seized diplomatic mail traveling from France to
Washington. As the war evolved, British and American cooperation increased, and the
seizures stopped, with an ultimate agreement signed on March 27, 1941. The United
States entered the war on Britain’s side in December of the same year.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from December 14, 1939. End Date changed
from November 3, 1940.
MID#200
Started in September 1955. See the narrative in the 651 Egypt/666 Israel dyad dispute
list.
2 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/220 FRANCE
MID#258
Started in March 1939. See the narrative in the 255 Germany/290 Poland dyad dispute
list.
MID#200
Started in September 1955. See the narrative in the 651 Egypt/666 Israel dyad dispute
list.
2 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/255 GERMANY
MID#257
Started in July 1914. See the narrative in the 300 Austria-Hungary/345 Yugoslavia
dyad dispute list.
MID#398
Dispute Number: 398
Date(s): May 1, 1915 to December 5, 1915