§ 51 and 52. Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the £6,750,000 unused balance of the Treasury's contribution to the Czechoslovak Government is included in the £16,000,000 blocked Czech gold and cash;
(2) whether he can further specify the composition of the £16,000,000 of blocked Czech gold and cash; in particular, how much of this was part of the Czechoslovak National Bank's gold reserve and foreign exchange reserve; how much was deposited by other Czech banks; and how much by corporations and individuals?
§ Sir J. SimonThe answer to question No. 51 is in the affirmative. I am not in a position to give further details of the composition of blocked Czech assets, since the Czecho-Slovakia (Restriction on Banking Accounts, etc.) Act does not give the Treasury power to obtain detailed information as to the individual accounts and assets subject to restriction.
§ Mr. StraussCan the Chancellor give an assurance that the deposits and assets owned by private firms and individuals will not be disclosed to the German authorities in any negotiations that may take place?
§ Sir J. SimonI think it may be assumed that we shall not do anything to the injury of individuals.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs it not the case that the Czech assets referred to in question No. 52 can only be held here by and with the permission and knowledge of the State Bank of Czecho-Slovakia?