On The Week of 25 February – 2 March 1940

US NAVY

Sunday, 25 February 1940

            U.S. freighter West Camargo is stopped by unidentified French cruiser off north coast of Venezuela, 11°30'N,66°20'W; French make no attempt to board but only request information "where from, where bound, and what cargo” before allowing the merchantman to proceed after a 20 minute delay.

            U.S. freighter Exochorda is detained for several hours at Gibraltar by British authorities, but is allowed to proceed.

Monday, 26 February 1940

            Captain Raymond A. Spruance relieves Commander Reuben L. Walker as Commandant Tenth Naval District.

            U.S. passenger liner Washington is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities.

Tuesday, 27 February 1940

            U.S. freighter Sundance is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities.

Thursday, 29 February 1940

            U.S. freighter Cold Harbor is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities.

Friday, 1 March 1940

            U.S. freighter Exeter is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities (see 4 March).

Saturday, 2 March 1940

            U.S. passenger liner Manhattan is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities, but is released the same day. Some 80of 200 items of cargo, however, are detained subject to guarantees as to their destinations.