§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the nature of the representations made by the French Government to His Majesty's Government in respect of the transfer of the Czech gold held by the Bank of International Settlements to German account?
§ Sir J. SimonI understand that an oral communication was received from the French Government asking His Majesty's Government to consider whether any effective steps could be taken to prevent any such transfer. For the reasons which have already been stated in the House, His Majesty's Government were obliged to point out that the matter was one1524W which fell to be decided by the Bank for International Settlements.
§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can specify the composition of the Czech assets in London subject to the Czecho-slovakia (Restrictions on Banking, etc.) Act; and whether the estimated total of £14.000,000 to £15,000,000, or any section of it, has been materially reduced since the assets were first declared in March?
§ Sir J. SimonThe assets subject to the Act may be classified as follows as at 5th June, 1939:
£ Cash and gold 16,000,000 Securities 1,000,000 17,000,000 Less assets pledged orearmarked 1,000,000 Net total 16,000,000 The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.