Blaustein Hopes for German-jewish Understanding on Reparations

The hope that the forthcoming Jewish reparations talks with Germany, which will start in the middle of March, will be carried out in a spirit of mutual understanding, was expressed here today by Jacob Blaustein, president of the American Jewish Committee and a member of the praesidium of the Conference on Jewish Claims Against Germany.

Mr. Blaustein returned today from Paris and London where he participated in the discussions at which it was decided to begin negotiations with the German Government. He was accompanied by Dr. Simon Segal, director of the American Jewish Committee’s foreign affairs department. In a statement made upon his arrival, he declared:

“We sincerely hope that the recent declaration of Chancellor Adenauer, approved by the German Parliament, will be translated into negotiations carried out in a spirit of mutual understanding. Germany cannot atone for the unspeakable Nazi crimes committed against the Jews, but the Bonn Government can demonstrate in forthcoming negotiations its willingness to compensate to some extent for the material losses suffered by Jews under Hitler.”

While in London, Mr. Blaustein conferred with John J. McCloy, American High Commissioner for Germany, and General Henry Byroade, head of the German Bureau of the U.S. State Department, to discuss various problems in connection with the forthcoming contractual agreements between the Western allies and the Bonn Government. “It is essential,” Mr. Blaustein stated, “that these contractual agreements fully guarantee human rights to further democratic processes in Germany and safeguard the future of the restitution and compensation programs.”