HC Deb 11 November 1941 vol 374 cc2043-4
70. Mr. Silverman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has inquired into the amount and nature of the personal funds deposited by Marshal Pétain in this country; whether MarshalPétain has been allowed to transfer either the capital or the dividends on such investments to France; and, if so, what were the circumstances entitling the Marshal to these exceptional privileges?

Sir K. Wood

Transfer has been allowed in respect of an annuity of £600 which was taken out by Marshal Pétain in sterling with a Canadian company in 1937. Exception has been made from the normal practice on the ground that Marshal Pétain is the head of a State. The contract is with a Canadian company, and the Canadian Government are still in diplomatic relations with the Vichy Government. No other sums are being transferred to Marshal Pétain, and I have no information as to any other property in this country owned by him.

Mr. Silverman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement that he has just made will be received with the greatest perturbation throughout the country as a whole, which will not approve of exceptional treatment being given to the head of a State who is working as hard as he can against the interests of this country in the worst life-and-death struggle that we have ever experienced?

Sir K. Wood

The Government have considered the matter, and they think that in the circumstances it would be a petty act to stop payment, and there would be no advantage in doing it.

Mr. Silverman

In that event, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the policy of his Department in refusing to allow parents whose children were sent to America on the initiation of the Government to send a single pound out of the country for the maintenance of their children there?

Mr. Speaker

That does not arise.