Customs in a time of conflict At the beginning of the First World War, the then…

Customs in a time of conflict
At the beginning of the First World War, the then Department of Trade and Customs played an important role to disrupt Germany’s war effort. Customs were involved in gathering intelligence on German merchant vessels, identifying cargo bound for enemy nations and seizing it as contraband, and vetting books, publications and movies deemed to contain anti-war sentiments.
In the days leading up to the First World War, there was special interest in the German vessels present in Australian ports. It was Customs’ responsibility to ensure that vessels bearing ‘enemy’ flags did not leave Australian ports without a clearance. By 28 August 1914, Customs had seized 20 enemy… More