"african reefer" had been seized with the danish minister consenting under the condition that the ship's title remain with denmark and the seizure only for use. further, that the payment for use be equal for that of u.s. ships under charter. both the secretary and assistant secretary of state had affirmed to congress that the ships would be justly compensated at full value. "african reefer" had sailed from madeira to the united states under that specific understanding. instead the titles to the ships had been seized and they had been hired at a rate 50% below the u.s. vessel charter rate. the case, upon failure of negotiations, went to the supreme court which affirmed that the vessel should be paid at the full value yet only by congressional action in 1958 was the settlement for full payment made.