Israel Considers Claiming $2,000,000,000 in Reparations from West German Government

Establishment of a provisional West German government after next Sunday’s elections has revived the question of Jewish claims on Germany, and a conference of international experts here, just ended, considered the issue and drew up a plan of action.

The Government of Israel, in cooperation with the World Zionist Organization, is today maintaining contact with the big powers on the subject, which nearly everyone here feels should be considered in its widest possible aspects. One approach to the subject is that a formula should be found whereby Germany may reasonably be required to furnish the economic resources necessary for the settlement and absorption of those European Jews who have migrated or will migrate to Israel.

The minimal claim put forward provides for the payment to the state of Israel, or to the national institutions, of two billion dollars in reparations. This figure is identical with the capital which government economists conservatively estimate will be required for the effective absorption of the large number of new immigrants and the stable development of the country’s economy over the next five years. A claim of two billion dollars on Germany would amount to less than one-third of the value of Jewish wealth in Europe lost to German action, which has been estimated at six billion dollars.

Officials and experts here who are engaged in preparing the Jewish case are fully aware of the many legal obstacles to be overcome. Nevertheless, in the face of all expected difficulties, they are proceeding with their plans to seek reparations from the Germans on the basis that the nation which was responsible for the destruction of six million Jews should be required to contribute toward the resolution of the problem of these who escaped destruction.