HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 cc1582-3
37. Mr. Stokes

asked the President of the Board of Trade why an embargo has been placed on trading between this country and French possessions in North and West Africa?

Mr. Dalton

This embargo has been in force since 1940. It is not desirable at present to allow the resumption of private trading with these territories.

Mr. Stokes

Are we to gather that trading in North and West Africa has been handed over to the Americans and that our own traders are not allowed to operate?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. I said "private trading." Military operations are now proceeding in North Africa, as my hon. Friend knows, and it is not possible to allow private trading to be resumed. To a certain extent, the same thing applies in West Africa. The American Government take responsibility for controlling the movement of goods and supplies to and from both these territories.

Mr. Stokes

Am I to understand from that further reply that there is no private American trading going on in North and West Africa?

Mr. Dalton

There is no trading there except that controlled by the British and United States Governments.