The publication of the texts of the recommendations for inclusion of human rights provisions in the peace treaties which have been accepted by the general meeting of representatives of eleven leading Jewish organizations will be delayed for several days to permit their contents to be communicated to the delegations of the 21 nations at the Peace Conference and for the Jewish representatives to make personal contacts among the delegates, it was revealed here today.
However, it was reported that the major feature of the human rights recommendations will be the recognition that guaranteeing these basic rights must be made an international obligation rather that a strictly local or national matter. The proposals urge the placing of enforcement machinery in the hands of the United Nations.
In addition to the human rights provisions, the recommendations call for full restitution of Jewish property stolen during the pro-Nazi regimes, and for compensation where full restoration is impossible. Exemption of the assets of Jews of former enemy nationality from seizure by or forfeiture to the Allied nations is also asked.
Amendments will be offered to the drafts of the peace treaties providing for the guaranteeing of the right of free emigration, clarification of the status of the Jewish communities and the disposition of the property of Jews who died heirless.
It was learned that the views of a number of important figures at the Peace Conference were sought even before the Jewish representatives reached full agreement on their joint proposals. The importance of seeking such advice was illustrated by the attitude of the Norwegian Foreign Minister who indicated that he will support the provisions for Jewish rights but cannot support the demand to guarantee the Jews the right of kosher slaughtering, because in Norway it is forbidden by law.
A delegation of representatives of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the British section of the World Jewish Congress and the Agudas Israel of Britain, headed by Prof. Selig Brodetsky, president of the Board of Deputies, is expected to call on Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Hector McNeil today to enlist the support of the British delegation for the Jewish proposals. The Anglo-Jewish Association will not be represented, but will make individual representations to the British delegation shortly.
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