43. Mr. Keelinǵasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that residents in Malaya were allowed by the Japanese to draw from their preoccupation Post Office Savings Bank accounts limited amounts in Japanese currency which was inferior in value to Malayan currency; that the Japanese received deposits in these accounts in Japanese currency; and at what rates such withdrawals and deposits are to be debited or credited to these accounts.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. I am aware of these withdrawals and deposits. The Malayan Governments have in contemplation legislation to regulate the debtor-creditor relations arising from the Japanese occupation, including those effecting bank deposits, and I hope it will be possible to make an announcement on this subject shortly.
Mr. KeelinǵAs the money was drawn from a savings bank which was provided by the enemy, and cost the British and Colonial Treasuries nothing, will the Government be generous in this matter and make up their minds soon?