Introduction

The Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 (2 & 3 Geo 6 c 89) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which makes it a criminal offence to conduct trade with the enemy in wartime, with a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment.

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.

Refer to Trading with the Enemy Act.

Background

The bill passed rapidly through Parliament in just two days, from 03 to 05 September 1939, and the Act was passed on 05 September 1939, at the beginning of World War II.

It is still in force.