HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 cc408-9W
Mr. Loftus

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what exemptions have been granted to any neutral countries from the Order-in-Council, of 4th December, concerning the extension of the blockade over German exports?

Mr. Levy

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether the United States Government have been informed that German exports to the United States will be exempt from the blockade only in very exceptional circumstances; and will he state what these circumstances may be?

Mr. Cross

When the Reprisals Order-in-Council was introduced His Majesty's Government announced that it was their intention to apply it with due regard to the initial disturbance to the interests of neutrals. A communication in the same sense was made to the United States Embassy, who were at the same time informed that exemptions would only be considered in very exceptional circumstances. A certain number of applications for exemption from the provisions of the Order-in-Council have been granted, but I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give any details.