American Jewish Committee Hails “big Four” Decision on Property Restoration

News from Moscow that the Big Four have agreed that Austria must restore looted property to Jews or, where restoration is impossible, compensate for it, was hailed today as “a triumph in the international struggle for human rights” by Dr. John Slawson, executive vice-president of the American Jewish Committee. He pointed out that the American Jewish Committee, on February 19, submitted to the State Department recommendations for inclusion in the peace treaties with Germany and Austria providing for property restitution and guarantees of civil rights.

“The report from Moscow clearly indicates that a victory has been won in behalf of the human rights ruthlessly violated in Austria and Germany at the outset of the Axis war against humanity,” Dr. Slawson said. “The American Jewish Committee has consistently contended that civil rights guarantees and property restitution and compensation clauses should be included in the treaties not only with the Axis satellites but with Germany and Austria. This now seems to be on the fair way toward accomplishment. It is a step in which all to whom human liberty is sacred can take pride and courage.”