The Austrian Parliament today passed the “Second” and “Third Restitution Laws” providing for the return of Nazi-looted property now in the hands of the Austrian Government and property seized by the Nazis which was later sold to private individuals who are still in possession.
Edward Ludwig, president of the parliament, announced that 26,000 applications have already been made for the return of property formerly owned by Jews and non-Jews. He also disclosed that there are obstacles to the return of some property which the Soviet occupation authorities claim under the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration which gave them legal right to German property. Ludwig said he hoped for an early agresment with the Russians which would release property to be returned to political and religious persecutees.
Homes for some of the ill-housed Jewish survivors in Austria may soon be available, it was learned today. The Soviet Army has ordered families of Russian servicemen living with them in Austria to return to the U.S.S.R. by March 23. The Austrian authorities have promised that some of the houses which become available by that date will be reserved for Jewish repatriates from Shanghai and elsewhere.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
