Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to impose penalties for trading with the enemy, to make provision as respects the property of enemies and enemy subjects, and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid. |
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| Citation | 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 89 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 5 September 1939 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
The Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 was an important law passed in the United Kingdom. It made it illegal for people and businesses in the UK to trade or do business with countries or people considered "enemies" during wartime. This law was created very quickly at the start of the Second World War to help protect the country's safety and resources.
Contents
What Was the Trading with the Enemy Act?
This Act was a special law made by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Its main goal was to stop money and resources from reaching countries or groups that the UK was fighting against. During a war, a country wants to make sure its own citizens are not accidentally helping the other side.
Why Was This Law Created?
The law was passed on September 5, 1939. This was just two days after the United Kingdom declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the Second World War. The government needed a way to quickly control who people and businesses could trade with. This was important for national security.
What Did the Law Do?
The Act made it a serious offense to trade with the enemy. This meant that if you were in the UK, you could not buy from, sell to, or do any business with people or companies in enemy countries. Breaking this law had very serious consequences.
Is This Law Still Important?
Even though it was passed a long time ago, the Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 is still officially in force today. This shows how some laws, especially those related to national security, can remain active for many years.
See also
- Trading with the Enemy Act
- Trading with the Enemy Act 1914
- Daimler Co Ltd v Continental Tyre and Rubber Co (Great Britain) Ltd
