In obtaining this device, the British could intercept german messages and decrypt them. fun fact, alan turing created the first computer that was able to decrpyt the Nazi German Enigma, if it weren't for him, the allies wouldn't have won the war.
Answer: yes and no. For the most part yes as it allows the government to pick and choose what is and isn't recognized as a local currency. A good example of fiat money is gold.