German government officials in New York have launched an investigation into allegations of harassment of Bermudians travelling to their country.

The Consul General's office have confirmed that they have received several complaints from Bermudians, who have been the subject of strong arm tactics from guards at Frankfurt airport.

The move came after Bermuda Department of Tourism public relations manager Charles Webbe was refused entry to Germany, despite having the correct documentation.

Yesterday, the Consul General's office confirmed that they had been contacted by other travellers who had suffered similar treatment to Mr. Webbe, who said he believed he was stopped because he was black.

Spokesman Werner Schmidt said: "We are aware of other incidents, which we deeply regret. We are very unhappy that border guards are operating like this.

"Rightly or wrongly that Mr. Webbe was refused entry, to treat him more harshly because of the colour of his skin -- we regret that.'' Mr. Webbe was refused entry to Germany because he did not have a visa -- even though new regulations issued during the summer stipulated that Bermudians did not require them.

Mr. Schmidt said the directive was issued to Frankfurt months ago, but admitted they had had a problem with some immigration staff who seemed to be ignoring the protocol. He said a probe was now underway to establish who the officers were and to ensure future situations did not arise.

And he revealed that up to two weeks ago, the New York office had urged their foreign office counterparts to inform the authorities at Frankfurt that "this was not appropriate behaviour''.

Mr. Webbe, who was travelling on Government business, had flown to Frankfurt from Bermuda, via London, on November 7, as he made his way to the World Travel Congress in Strasbourg, France.

After his confrontation, he was forced to fly to Basle, Switzerland and finally on to Strasbourg -- costing several hundred dollars in airfares and taxis.

And ironically, just a few hours before, a Bermuda delegation -- comprising of gombeys, Bermuda Regiment bandsmen and tourism representatives -- passed through the same airport, with the same documentation without a hitch.

Mr. Schmidt said his bosses were now in talks with Frankfurt to remedy the problems.