HC Deb 16 June 1948 vol 452 cc406-7
11. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will make a statement on currency reform in Germany; and, when doing so, if he will refer to the proposal of the Soviet Government for a uniform currency for the whole of Germany.

Mr. Bevin

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject. As regards the second part of the Question, we strove for a Four-Power settlement, but no agreement was reached and Four-Power discussion was ended as a result of action by the Soviet delegation on the Control Council.

Mr. Piratin

Is it not a fact that the Soviet Union in the Four-Power Council agreed to some measure of common currency for the whole of Germany, and in these circumstances what is the attitude taken up by the Foreign Office in the matter?

Mr. Bevin

While we were trying to arrive at an agreement on this and many other matters the Soviet Government suddenly one morning walked out of the Control Council and ended the matter. We cannot all be held up because of that.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Can the Foreign Secretary tell the House whether the currency agreement will apply exclusively to the British and American zones and not to the French zone?

Mr. Bevin

I am not in a position to make a statement now.

Mr. Nally

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that any proposals made by the Soviet Government, either for uniform currency or otherwise, ought to be treated by them as about as reliable as Hitler's claim that he had no more territorial claims in Europe?

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