German Offer Will Decide Fate of Claims Talks, Goldmann Declares

Dr. Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, said today that the situation with regard to negotiations with Germany was “still unclear.” He pointed out that the Government of Israel had decided to resume formal negotiations only when there would be an indication of a German offer which could serve as the basis for a settlement and noted that the material claims conference had identified itself with this position.

Dr. Goldmann said that “in unofficial talks which I have had while in Europe, some suggestions were made on behalf of the Germans which, with some modifications, could serve as the basis for resuming the official negotiations. However, these suggestions did not yet represent a formal offer on behalf of the German Government. In the talks which I had with the German Chancellor in Paris last week, he explained that his Government had not yet reached a decision primarily because of preoccupation with the negotiations with the Western Allies in preparation for the new contractual agreements signed ten days ago.

“The Chancellor promised that once these negotiations are completed, his Cabinet will be free to deal with the offer to be made to Israel and to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. Such new offer is expected in the very near future. Only when this offer will have been made will it be possible for the Government of Israel and the Conference to decide whether, and when the formal negotiations should be resumed. Predictions and prophecies on what the Germans may offer are premature, and I fully agree with Mr. Sharett’s statement that there is no reason to be either pessimistic or optimistic. I am hopeful that a concrete German offer will soon be forthcoming, thus clarifying the situation.”