Austria Criticized for Evasion of Jewish Claims

The Austrian Government was criticized here today for its evasion of Jewish claims for damages inflicted by the Nazi regime in Austria. The criticism was voiced by Jakob Altmaier, ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the West German Parliament, who played a key role in the negotiations for the German-Israel reparations agreement.

Mr. Altmaier, who was received by President Eisenhower in the White House, is the first Jewish member of the West German Bundestag to visit Washington. He declared that the Austrian Nazis did as much harm to Jews as did the German Nazis, and that Austria should do as much as Germany by way of restitution. “It was morally wrong for Austria to take the position that it has no special responsibility toward the Jews,” he stated.

Mr. Altmaier said he hoped eventually that Israel and Germany would establish diplomatic relations. He added that he felt Germany understands how Israel feels owing to the crimes of the Nazis and will not press Israel on this matter, Mr. Altmaier said he opposes the remilitarization of Germany under the EDC plan, as sought by President Eisenhower, because he feels that former Hitler officers would regain power. He pointed out that officers of the 12 proposed German divisions would include people with SS and SA backgrounds.