Anglo-jewish Association Urges Stronger Safeguards for Jewish Rights in Austrian Pact

The Anglo-Jewish Association today submitted a memorandum to the British Government urging that stronger safeguards for Jewish rights be included in the Austrian peace pact than were in the treaties of the former Axis satellites.

The memorandum pointed out that anti-Semitism is much stronger in Austria, and that the Austrian Government does not regard itself as the legal successor of the Nazi regime and therefore not legally obligated to make amends for Nazi crimes against the Jews. It also emphasized that the human rights provisions of the satellite pacts should be strengthened by making it a criminal action to promote directly or indirectly racial or religious hatred and discrimination, including anti-Jewish agitation on economic grounds.

In the provision on crimes against the peace or humanity in the Austrian pact, the Association suggested that a clause outlawing “anti-Jewish persecution” be added. It also requested that Jewish communities be guaranteed the same status they enjoyed before March 5, 1933. Other provisions should guarantee Austrians abroad the right to renounce their nationality, the memorandum stated, adding that displaced persons should be provided with United Nations protection in view of Austria’s open hostility to them.

Also called for was amandment of Austria’s “unsatisfactory” restitution laws by legally presuming that all property of persons belonging to groups persecuted by the Nazis was transferred under duress, and the inclusion of representatives of Austrians now abroad in the administration of heirless property which the Association urged should be used not only for relief of persons living in Austria but also for the emigration and resettlement of Austrian Jewish refugees. The memorandum concluded with a demand that persons whose rights in these matters are infringed upon should be permitted recourse to an inter-allied tribunal on human rights.