Toronto Mensa INQUIRING MINDS: Operation Fish, 1940: How to Finance a War While Under Threat of Invasion

DESCRIPTION:

Operation Fish, a daring top-secret mission during World War II, was the largest movement of physical wealth in history. It was also perhaps the single greatest economic gamble of all time, and a tremendous success — a testament to the resourcefulness and co-operation of the allied powers and their central banks during the war.

In May and early June of 1940, Hitler's armies swept over western Europe forcing the desperate evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk.

In Britain, newly appointed prime minister Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet were confronted with the prospect of imminent invasion. If the unthinkable happened and the Germans invaded, how could the war continue? What measures would best safeguard Britain and the Empire for a long-term war?

One idea was to transport Britain's $200 billion in gold reserves and securities to Canada for safe keeping. Thus, was born 'Operation Fish'. Dr. Paul Doerr's presentation will outline the origins and execution of this successful transfer of wealth and the importance of Operation Fish in the history of the war.

SPEAKER BIO:

Paul Doerr grew up in Ontario and earned his PhD from the University of Waterloo. At Acadia University, he teaches courses on the World Wars, military and diplomatic history and Europe in the twentieth century. In his tutorial classes, he likes to have students recreate diplomatic conferences and crises so they can understand the thought processes of the historical figures involved. His research interests include British foreign policy, appeasement and war termination. He is the author of British Foreign Policy, 1919–1939.

This is a free event, but you must RSVP to Kathleen Smith at Kathleen.walton.smith@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Kathleen Smith at Kathleen.walton.smith@gmail.com.