Foreign currency for special purposes

A small file of correspondence on the provision of foreign currency for special operations abroad in early 1942. Among the topics discussed in the file are the ability of the Bank of England to provide foreign currency; shortages of most types of foreign currency in present reserves; difficulties in obtaining more currency through both legitimate and "devious" channels; the possibility and potential risks of printing counterfeit notes; and the prospect of reverting to the use of gold coin as an alternative to foreign currency.