Q&A · 53:50-54:03

Why Britain did not intercept the money for American grain

Strong escort and a quick Atlantic crossing protected the money sent to purchase American grain.

Convoy Warfare Grain Convoys Royal Navy Western Squadron

Question

Why did Britain not intercept the money sent to buy American grain?

Short answer

It crossed the Atlantic too quickly under strong escort, before the Western Squadron's blockade was operating at full strength.

Notes

The money sent to buy grain crossed the Atlantic quickly under strong escort. The Western Squadron had not yet brought its blockade into full operation. Those conditions made the outward shipment difficult to intercept.