FREE PORT OF CADIZ 219 
) 
be noted that this consists almost entirely of coal of British origin the 
bulk of which is used for fueling ocean vessels calling at Cadiz, Thus, 
while the volume entered at the free zone increased from 815,000 
kilograms in 1921 to 75,000,000 kilograms in 1927, the increase was due 
largely to a single commodity, it being reported that aside from coal there 
are comparatively few articles entered and stored in the free zone. 
Description of free zone.—The free zone of Cadiz is situated on the 
Alfonso XIII Quay within the port itself. Its total area is 84,000 
Square meters, and it has its own quay, 450 meters long, where ocean 
vessels may come alongside. Two modern warehouses are located 
within the zone whose total area is 6,000 square meters. Located on 
the quay the zone has direct motor-vehicle connection with the busi- 
fess section of Cadiz, while a branch railway line connects it with 
the main line of the Andaluces Railway, which is now under completion. 
The entire zone on its shoreward side is surrounded by a double 
ile of iron fencing with enough space between the two to permit the 
patrolling of sentries. 
Administration —The free zone is controlled and operated by the 
Credito y Docks de Barcelona, the company which was granted the 
concession under royal order of August 4, 1917. The number of guards 
*mployed and the annual cost of administration are not available, 
‘he operating company refusing to divulge these figures. 
Operations permitted in free zone.—In its publications the operating 
company gives the following as being the operations permitted within 
the free zone: 
Ll. Repacking of merchandise. 
2. Assorting of merchandise to facilitate commercial classification. 
3. Shelling and roasting of coffee and cacao. 
‘. Shearing of skins and hides. 
5. Wood crushing. 
6. Washing and cleaning of wool. 
7. Extraction of copra and other vegetable oils. 
8. Any other operations that may increase the value of merchandise received 
¥thout essentially changing its nature. 
Operations prohibited in free zone.— Aside from the prohibition noted 
inder No. 8 above, namely, any operation tending to change the 
lature of the merchandise placed in the free zone, no information 
has been received in this regard. However, it is reported that many 
‘ormalities must be observed in connection with the use of this zone, 
nd the attendant expenses are such as virtually to prohibit any 
‘Peration not specifically allowed. 
Dispatch secured in unloading vessels. —The operating company 
"eports that the unloading of vessels at the free-zone quay is done as 
"apidly as at any of the customs quays, and depends upon the nature 
*f the merchandise handled. The average rate of discharge is stated 
bo be from 300 to 400 metric tons per day of eight hours.