51. Mr. Menderasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken to prevent French credits in British banks from becoming available to Germany or Italy through French channels?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)Immediately on the capitulation of the French Government, banks were warned that no withdrawals from French accounts should be allowed, subject to certain well-defined exceptions where the money could not become available to Germany or Italy. The Trading with the Enemy Act applies to enemy-occupied territory as well as to enemy territory, and by a recent order it has been expressly applied to all Continental France and to Algeria, Tunis and the French Zone of Morocco.
Mr. MenderWill my right hon. Friend give an assurance that French refugees to this country will be permitted to have access to their banking accounts?
§ Sir K. WoodArrangements are being made in that connection.