British Jews Criticize “american Monopoly” on Reparations Talks

The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany was severely criticized here today at a meeting of the Board of Deputies of British Jews because of its naming of an all-American praesidium and for assigning only American experts and advisors to represent the world Jewish organizations at the reparations negotiations with West Germany.

Members of the Board representing every shade of opinion within the organization were unanimous in condemning what Dr. Abraham Cohen, board president, called an “American monopoly.” He demanded that strong representations should be made to the praesidium. Barnett Janner, M.P., termed the situation “very unsatisfactory,” adding that while the Board remained “loyal” to the purpose of the negotiations it could not permit the praesidium, on which it was not represented, to use its name as a “rubber stamp.”