United States High Commissioner John J. McCloy today made public the text of a directive sent by him yesterday to various German Ministers in the American zone of Germany reaffirming the determination of the U.S. Government to carry through the present restitution law unchanged and unimpaired. The text of the document reads:
“During recent months there has been brought to my attention letters and comments appearing in the German press proposals circulated by organizations and statements attributed to Laonder government officials which appeared to encourage speculation on the policy of the U.S. with respect to identifiable property under U.S. Military Government Law 59.
“In view of the publicity given the criticism and suggestion relating to U.S. MG Law 59, I take this opportunity to reaffirm the policy of my government that persons and organizations deprived of their property as a result of National Socialist persecution should either have their returned or be compensated therefore. I can further advise you that there is no intention to depart from these principles as expressed in MG Law 59 and I do not anticipate in the future developments which will relieve the holder of property subject to restitution from the obligation imposed by this law.
“It is suggested that you make known to the officials of your government engaged in the administration of the restitution law that U.S. policy remains unchanged in this respect. To allay any doubts which may have arisen in the minds of the general public, I am taking the liberty of releasing this letter to the press.”
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