Jewish Claims Conference Calls for Bonn Indemnity Legislation

Immediate passage of appropriate legislation by the West German Parliament to extend and increase benefits to all victims of Nazi persecution, was demanded today in a resolution passed by the executive committee of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Provision for such legislation is contained in a separate protocol between the West German Government and the Conference signed in Luxemburg last summer concomitantly with the Israel-Bonn claims agreement. The Conference said it was confident that the Bonn Government “appreciates the urgency of this matter for thousands of Nazi persecutees.”

Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, submitted a full report on events preceding ratification of the Luxemburg pact. “Ratification of this treaty has completely borne out our faith in the sincere intentions of Chancellor Adenauer and his colleagues,” Dr. Goldmann told the meeting:

“We are especially gratified by the big majority which the treaty obtained in both houses of the German Parliament,” Dr, Goldman continued. “The Social Democratic Party is to be commended for its wholehearted support of this treaty from the very a beginning. Had the treaty not been ratified before the conclusion of the budget year 1952, it would have delayed essential assistance to Israel. That it was ratified within the budget year is primarily due to the indefatigable efforts of the Chancellor.”

TEXT OF RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY JEWISH BY JEWISH CLAIMS CONFERENCE

The text of the resolution adopted by the Conference reads: “The executive committee of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, in session on March 23, 1953, expresses its gratification over the ratification by the Federal Republic of Germany of the treaty between the State of Israel and the Federal German Republic.

“These partial material amends for the losses suffered by the Jewish people under Nazi rule have been brought about by the sincerity, cooperation and indefatigable effort of Chancellor Adenauer, his colleagues in the coalition government the German Social Democratic Party, the German trade union movement and church groups, as well as other bodies and persons, speaking for the best elements in the land. To all these, the Conference expresses its deep appreciation.

“The Conference, furthermore, draws special attention to the plight of thousands of individuals throughout the world victimized by the Nazi regime. The German Government has pledged the passage of special legislation by the German Parliament to extend and increase indemnification to all categories of Nazi persecutees. The Conference, accordingly, calls on chancellor Adenauer, his colleagues in the Government and all forces of goodwill in West Germany to bring about speedy implementation of this pledge, as a matter of great urgency for multitudes, who have every right to expect that their claims, rooted in tragedy, be dealt with promptly and expeditiously.

“The Conference is confident that the German Federal Republic is fully aware of its obligations and will demonstrate this awareness by immediate introduction of appropriate legislation in accordance with provisions contained in its agreement with the Conference.”