[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Indeed, and the papers mention figures...millions of Pounds . I believe that the advantage was that the Australians paid in Pounds, but of course we needed wool and meat. The Ministry of Supply purchased the entire Australian wool clip in 1939, and this rather frustatred the Germans who had hoped to set up a barter for Opel cars to be assembled by Holden's: see my articles in RESTORED CARS on the HOLDEN CAR PROJECT. Those Pounds could be exchanged for Australian exports.

However, I have restricted myself in my Essay to vehicles. Perhaps you could take up the cudgel Shane about non-vehicular supplies?