The Austrian Parliament will soon begin consideration of the Austrian Fifth Restitution Law, which has been in the works since 1952, and which would set up an heirless property fund to administer the assets of Nazi victims who left no heirs, it was learned today. There is no doubt here but that the measure will be accepted since the Austrian state treaty obligates Austria to take such action.
Meanwhile Austrian Jewish leaders who attended the meeting of the Jewish Claims Committee in Paris last week-end, confirm reports that Jewish negotiators will re-open talks with Austrian experts next month.
Addressing Parliament, Chancellor Julius Raab said that some 160 estates confiscated from Nazi organizations after the liberation and some similar state-administered funds would probably be “returned.” Since the organizations were dissolved nobody understands to whom these properties will be returned.
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