A conference in Rome between representatives of West Germany and Israel over how much compensation the Jewish State should pay the Templars, a German Protestant sect, for property in Israel has been suspended after six weeks of intensive negotiations, it was reported here today. The German delegation has returned here and is reporting to the German Foreign Ministry and other government departments interested in the problem.
When the German-Israel reparations pact was signed, it was agreed that Israel would pay compensation to the Templars from the reparations total. At that time it was agreed that if the two parties could not agree on the amount of compensation within nine months after negotiations began, a Scandinavian monarch would be asked to mediate. The talks began eight months ago. It is now up to the Germans to decide whether they wish to continue the talks or call in a mediator.
The property for which compensation is sought consists chiefly of real estate in Jerusalem, Haifa and Jaffa and agricultural lands at Beth Lahon, in the Galilee, as well as the former Wilhelmina Colony near Lydda. Also, the Templars seek compensation for furnishings at Sarona, which was first purchased by the British. Army and has since become the government seat in Tel Aviv.
The Templars settled in Palestine in the 17th century but were deported to Australia by the British when Rommel threatened Alexandria during World War II. Most of them had embraced Nazism by that time.
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