§ 56. Mr. Edeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the credit granted by His Majesty's Government to the Polish Government was used by the latter prior to the invasion of Poland by Germany?
§ Sir J. SimonNo part of the cash credit was used prior to the invasion of Poland by Germany.
§ Mr. EdeAre we to understand that the only money which left this country for armaments on the Continent prior to the outbreak of hostilities was the Czech gold which went to Germany?
§ Sir J. SimonThe credit was, in fact, drawn upon by the Polish Government. I was asked whether any part of it was used prior to the invasion of Poland by Germany.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDo I understand the Chancellor to say that the cash credit was granted to Poland before the war broke out?
§ Sir J. SimonNo, the cash credit was granted on 7th September, 1939.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWhy was it that so little money ever got to Poland?
§ Mr. BoothbyHow much actual money did leave the country?
§ Sir J. SimonI am not sure about the question of money leaving the country. It is a question rather of the spending of credits or drawing upon them, but I cannot give exact figures.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any armaments at all reached Poland before the outbreak of war?
§ Sir J. SimonThat, I think, is a different question.