22. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any statement to make regarding the measures of economic defence adopted by the Government of the United States of America, and the extent to which the United States Government are co-operating with His Majesty's Government in measures of economic warfare?
§ Mr. DaltonDuring the past six months there has been a remarkable development in the measures of economic defence taken by the United States Government. The United States Export Licensing system which now covers almost all commodities important for war purposes, is strictly enforced and is a most effective means of denying supplies to the enemy. This is now being supplemented by a big programme of purchases of strategic materials in Latin America, which will also deprive the Axis of valuable supplies. The financial side of the blockade has been much strengthened by the freezing of German, Italian and Japanese assets. As I stated on Tuesday last, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), the United States Government have recently published a Proclaimed List of some 1,800 names of firms and persons in Latin America who will be treated as nationals of Germany and Italy, for the purpose of the freezing order and will be unable to obtain from the U.S.A., except under licence, any materials subject to export control. This will powerfully reinforce 1774 His Majesty's Government's policy of placing on the Statutory List those who assist the enemy's war effort. All these steps taken primarily for the economic defence of the United States, tighten the blockade of the enemy. His Majesty's Government greatly appreciate the help which they are receiving from the United States Government in this important field. In particular, they warmly welcome the recent establishment by the President of a Board, headed by the Vice-President, Mr. Wallace, to guide the activities of all Federal agencies in matters of economic defence.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan my right hon. Friend say whether, in regard to the arrangements made by the United States, oil products will or will not reach Japan?
§ Mr. DaltonNo doubt my hon. Friend has seen the statement from the State Department in the Press yesterday.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan my right hon. Friend explain whether that means all oil products or only aviation products?
§ Mr. DaltonI think I ought to have notice of the details of my hon. Friend's question.