This policy came from the late 1930s when secretly the government knew that Germany was likely going to invade.

Gold falls into the category "has always had value, so it will always have value" type of thoughts. And that's just what gives it value, out confidence that we can exchange it for something when you need it.

Once these factors start to breakdown, all these intangible forms of holding wealth loose value. Gold remains as a significant reliable long term store of value.

Hence it’s worth maintaining by a nation.

What they have to do is move, but quietly, without announcing it.