The American Secretary of the Treasure Morgenthau (1) started last Friday the official procedure to seize 17 Italian freighters and the German tankers Pauline and Friedrich. Until now these ships were guarded by the coast guarded but handed over the customs service. According to what the Associated Press reported said the minister of Justice to Morgenthau that probably none compensation was necessary while a law of 1917 which forbade sabotage in American harbours was violated.
Note
1. Henry Morgenthau junior (11 May 1891-6 February 1967) Secretary of the Treasure between 1 January 1934 and 22 July 1945. Italy and Germany declared not earlier war on the USA as 11 December 1941.
