(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
A method whereby it will be possible for beneficiaries, resident in Russia, of Jewish soldiers who served in the American Army during the war to prove and collect on their insurance or other claims, has been adopted by the U. S. Veterans Bureau. Previously, difficulties had been encountered, as no American Consuls were stationed in Russia because no diplomatic relations exist between the two countries.
The United States Government will now accept claim authentications of a diplomatic or consular officer of any friendly government stationed in Russia. The official circular issued by the Veterans Bureau, signed by Frank J. Flines, director, read:
“1. The difficulty of securing documents in connection with claimants resident in Russia or of claimants whose dependants are resident in Russia, which are authenticated in a manner acceptable to the officials of this Bureau, has seriously interfered with the adjudication of such claims. In order to facilitate the work of the Bureau in disposing of pending Russian cases, the following procedure has been adopted:
“2. Evidence submitted in support of claims for benefits under the World War Veterans Act by claimants resident in Russia will be accepted by the Bureau as valid when such documents are certified under the signature and seal of Soviet officials whose official status is attested by a diplomatic or consular officer of a friendly government stationed in Russia.”
The adoption of the new method was brought about through the efforts of the Jewish Welfare Board.
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