A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK
HE policy, approved by the Foreign Office and strongly disapproved by the Ministry of Economic Warfare, of easing e blockade for Italy in the days when she was still a " non- lligerent " may have been, in the full light of all the circum- ances, wise or unwise, but that it was highly beneficial to ermany was always obvious. Statistics just published in merica (by a technical news-bulletin of recognised standing) throw some light on that in respect of one indispensable commodity, lubricating oils. The figures refer to two eight- month periods ending April, 1939, and April, 1940, respec- tively. The second period, it will be noted, covers the first eight months of war. In the earlier period Germany got from the United States 859,460 barrels, in the later period 3—a sufficient testimony to the effect of the British blockade in that quarter. In the earlier period Italy got 219,151 barrels, in the later 533,677. It is quite true that in the later period Italy was building up her own stocks, but the conclusion that. a good part of the increase went to Italy's masters in the north can hardly be resisted. What inferences are to be drawn from the fact that Spain in the earlier period took 99,544 barrels and in the later 395,86o anyone who will may decide for himself.
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