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Reich Seizes Stock Holdings of All Jews; Realty Sale Curbed

December 6, 1938
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Continuing the Nazi program of “dejudaizing” German economy, Dr. Walther Funk, Reich Minister of Economy, today ordered all Jews in Germany possessing stocks, bonds and other investments to deposit these in banks where they will be duly labeled “Jewish” and will remain at the disposal of the Minister of Economy.

A similar decree banned purchase by Jews of real estate. Those Jews already owning property can sell it only under authorization from the state. Should a sale be authorized, the purchaser may be required to turn over part of the payment to the Government.

This measure was taken, it was explained, to prevent “unscrupulous profiteering” at the expense of the Jews.

(The United Press quoted well-informed quarters in Berlin as stating that Jews were being required to pay “voluntary contributions” amounting in some cases to as high as 350,000 marks ($140,000) to obtain passports to leave Germany.)

Provisions were made for naming of receivers to liquidate Jewish estates where Jews themselves refuse to do so after being ordered by the Reich, or in cases where the Jews have left the Reich.

German Jews were forbidden to purchase, acquire, pawn or sell, either publicly or to friends, gold or platinum objects, silver, precious stones and pearls.

No one may acquire these directly from Jews. Would-be purchasers must address them selves to special offices created for sale of valuables belonging to Jews. Such an office was recently opened at Berlin. Other objects, such as paintings etc., come under the same ruling where their value exceeds 1,000 marks.

A German news agency communique accompanying these decrees said they now make it possible “to proceed with the forcible dejudaizing measures necessary for Reich economy.”

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