HC Deb 07 December 1943 vol 395 cc779-80
58. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the propaganda story put out by the Nazis that it has been decided that an exchange rate of 300 francs to the £ will be imposed if France should be occupied by our Forces; and whether, in view of the alienation of French opinion likely to result, he has taken steps to counteract this propaganda?

Sir J. Anderson

I am aware of various stories, false and often contradictory, put out by German-controlled stations about exchange rates. I see no reason, however, to fear that the French people will fall victims to such futile propaganda.

Mr. Strauss

While agreeing with what the right hon. Gentleman has said, would it not be worth while at least denying that any exchange rate has been fixed, or at any rate that this exchange rate has been fixed, because that story is being put out very vigorously by German propagandists?

Sir J. Anderson

Let me say categorically that there is no authority whatever behind the report to which attention has been called.

Colonel A. Lambert Ward

Is not an exchange rate of even 300 francs to the £ a good deal better than the exchange rate of 20 francs to the mark, which was the rate the Germans were allowing them some time ago?