Senator Kenneth B. Keating, New York Republican, claimed today that a war claims bill (S. 2618) reported out by the Senate Judiciary Committee “creates a category of second-class citizens, and omits any provision for settlement of heirless property awards for relief of victims of Nazi persecution.”
Senator Keating announced that when the bill is considered when Congress reconvenes in January, he would offer amendments to authorize the payment of claims against West Germany out of vested Nazi assets, permit the sale of vested Nazi assets in litigation, permit a lump settlement of heirless property claims to benefit Jewish victims of Nazism, include American claimants against Hungary as eligible claimants, and broaden eligibility provisions to include those who are American citizens on the date of enactment of the bill.
The Senator noted that victims of Nazis with legitimate claims were aging and dying and settlement was urgent if justice was to be done. He pointed out that the assets were available without any costs to the American taxpayer. Ex-Nazi industrialists are seeking return of the vested assets, Senator Keating said “the bill disregards every consideration of fairness and compassion” and omits any provision for payment of claims.
Senator Keating said he may be supported by other Senators and reported that the Administration backed some of the amendments he intends to seek.
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