The German replies to the American and British protests regarding application to their nationals of Field Marshall Hermann Goering’s decree for registration of Jewish property are not interpreted here as representing the slightest alteration of the Nazi fundamental position respecting the law.
Informed observers point out that all the replies have accomplished is to narrow the field in which foreign nations may have a practical cause for complaint. the important elements of the present nazi position are, first, foreign Jews residing outside the Reich are exempt from the law; second, foreign Jews residing within the Reich are definitely not exempt, and third, newly-naturalized foreign Jews residing abroad who are “political” emigres from the Reich since 1933 are definitely not exempt.
From the viewpoint of foreign nations, the fact that any non-German Jews are affected represents a breach of international obligations, particularly if, as is feared, the registration is followed by some type of confiscatory measures.
Apart from this the Nazi position still needs clarification, according to diplomatic circles, regarding, firstly, what dates in 1933 the Nazis have in mind, and, secondly, what is meant by a political emigre. the belief is strong that the Nazis will lump all Jews who emigrated from the Reich since the advent’ of the Nazi regime as political emigres, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority left or were forced to leave for economic, social and racial reasons.
Comparatively few American and British Jews are resident in the Reich and few of those who emigrated from German since 1933 are already American and british citizens. Both of these factors tend to minimize the specific cases for complaint by Washington and London.
In some quarters it is held that the Nazis do not intend to exercise pressure against nationals of the united States and western European powers. According to these observers, however, Jewish nationals of eastern European countries, particularly Poland, are considered by the Nazi government as legitimate prey. It is pointed out that there are at least 55,000 polish Jews in the greater Reich. while most of them are poor, they control, as a group, a sum great enough to interest the regime.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
