Anti-Semitism is not increasing in Germany and the instances which do occur are isolated and are not important in the overall picture in Germany, the president of the German Parliament declared here in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Dr. Eugen Gerstenmaier, who is a top leader of the Christian Democratic Party and of the German Protestant church, averred that anti-Semitism was “shrinking” though he admitted it had not disappeared. He asserted that the attempt of some Germans to shut their eyes today about Hitler’s crimes is an indication of their shame at the crimes and at the fact they had been hoodwinked by the Nazi gang.
He also defended Justice Minister Fritz Schaeffer who several months ago attacked the restitution situation and charged that Germany was obligated to the extent of $6, 000, 000,000 for restitution to Jews. Herr Schaeffer was not motivated by anti-Semitism, Dr. Gerstenmaier claimed.
In reference to German-Israeli diplomatic relations, he insisted that the decision here would be made by the two states involved. He implied that threats by the Arab states against Germany if she entered into diplomatic relations with Israel were likely to have the reverse effect on the situation.
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