Germany Charged with Lagging in Payment of Indemnification

“The West German Government’s payment of indemnification to victims of Nazism if progressing at a regrettably slow pace.” Saul Kagan executive secretary of the Conference on Jewish Claims against Germany, stated today at a press conference with the United Nations correspondents.

The conference was held at the office of the Untied Restitution Organization by the Claims Conference. The Untied Restitution Organization assists Jewish victims of Nazi persecution who are unable to secure proper legal counsel, to press their compensation claims under West German legislation. The URO has branches in Britain, Belgium Sweden Israel Brazil France Australia Canada and Germany.

An indicate on of the slow procedures in Germany. Mr. Kagan pointed out, is the fact that only approximately 6 million dollars of some 55 million dollars which the URO has helped file claims for has thus far been obtained. He pointed out that the West German indemnification and restitution program is undoubtedly a serious effort to rectify one of the most horrible injustices in history and that the East German government has done nothing parallel. Nonetheless, unless procedures are accelerated, the intent of this legislation will not be fully achieved.

“The indemnification which was enacted by the West German Parliament in September of 1953 requires major amendments and improvements” Mr. Kagan stated. “The Claims Conference representing 22 major Jewish organizations throughout the free world has repeatedly urged the speedy adoption of the necessary amendments and submitted a number of specific proposals. The three major parties of the German parliament share the dire concern with the slow progress in the implementation of the indemnification program A special committee has been established by the Bonn Parliament to amend the present law and to improve its procedures.

“Thousands of victims of Nazi persecution who are aged and in need must be a soured early and effective compensation for the damages and losses they sustained at Nazi hands” Mr. Kagan emphasized. “It is hoped that Germany which is now marking the attainment of its sovereignty will not forget here sacred obligation towards the victims of Nazi persecution.”

Dr. Herman Mueller, director of the United Restitution Office in New York declared that URO is the only organization which solely deals with restitution and indemnification; it has specially trend personnel of comprehensive knowledge and experience. URO New York now employs 62 people among them to form European lawyers. Approximately 120 people visit the office daily to consult regarding their clams. The New York office has assist 42,452 claimants who have because seeking satisfactions on claims amounting to 55 million dollars.