Although between September 1939 and May 1940 there was no naval fighting in the Mediterranean, British warships were kept very busy operating what they called the "Contraband Control Service," which could be considered "Cold War" hostilities. The British policy for their conduct of war against Germany aimed at reducing the latter's power of resistance by means of a rigorous application of economic sanctions. A maritime aspect of this policy was a blockade to prevent the passage, by means of neutral shipping, of merchandise destined directly or indirectly for German industry.
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