210 FOREIGN TRADE ZONES have not been approved. It may be mentioned in passing, however, that according to public announcements on the subject, it is proposed to convert a considerable isolated area into a zone completely exterri- torial for customs purposes in which every class of operations can be undertaken without customs control and subject to only ordinary police measures. The present free deposit consists of two covered warehouses of the Bosch y Alsina Wharf, having an area of some 269,100 square feet. The volume of storage space is approximately 2,825,120 cubic feet: (See attached plan of harbor.) These have railway connection with the Madrid-Zaragoza-Alicante Railroad by which merchandise can be distributed all over Spain. Also goods can be shipped directly from the warehouses by trucks and other vehicles. Vessels can come alongside the Bosch y Alsina Wharf and discharge directly into the warehouses. The equipment of the free deposit has been greatly improved during the last two years and there are now cranes, inclined runways for motor vehicles, and other modern equipment for the handling and manipulation of all classes of merchandise. In addition to the warehouses just mentioned, the administrator of customs can designate other buildings for similar purposes in case the space in the present free deposit should prove insufficient. The roy al order of March 5, 1927, designated the assembling plant of an Amer ican automobile concern as a free deposit, thus facilitating the opera- tion of assembling cars and entering them for sale in Spain or exports: tion to other countries. Similar steps could be taken in the case of other industries or enterprises. Admanistration.—The administration of the free deposit of Barce- fona is in the hands of the consorcio del puerto franco de Barcelona, Paseo Circunvalacion 1, Barcelona, but the actual operation of the warehouses and the dependent services is in the hands of the Credito y Docks de Barcelona, Pasaje del Comercio 7, Barcelona, which holds a lease from the consorcio. There are four private guards in additio? to the customs guards, port watchmen, and police, which patrol the water front. On account of the fact that the services are leased and that the consorcio del puerto franco is largely occupied with its plans for the free port, it is impossible to give any figures as to the costs of administration. It was stated in press articles some two or three years ago that receipts from the storage of merchandise in the free deposit amounted to only 70,000 pesetas annually. A decidedly increased use of the free deposit has, however, taken place during the last two years, and with the improved services now available this tendency should continue to be in evidence. Operations permitted in the free zone.—According to article 222 of the customs regulations, and the royal decree of October 2, 1927, the following operations are permitted in the free deposit: