London is full of hidden treasure. Never before has there been such a hoard of gold, jewellery and works of art packed away in the city's underground safe deposits, The total value of the articles stored in London is estimated to have increased. from 300 {o 400 million. pounds during the last few months.
Most of this increase has come from the Continent. Foreign currency has been changed into a safer, more permanent form of wealth; valuable paintings have been rushed over by aeroplane; historic gems, family heirlooms and objects of art of all kinds have come in an almost unending procession.
Because many of the people using these deposits do not wish to carry any written record of the whereabouts of their valuables, safes with combination number opening systems are being fitted. One customer from Central Europe recently asked for his combination numbers to be changed. He had been told that he talked in his sleep.
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