U.s., Gdr to Discuss Reparations to Nazi Victims After They Sign Accord on Diplomatic Relations

Claims by victims of Nazi persecution and others against the German Democratic Republic will be discussed by that country and the United States following their signing of an agreement here Wednesday establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, the State Department said Friday.

The issue of claims, Department spokesman Robert Anderson said, responding to questions from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, was the topic of “full and lengthy discussion” during the talks between the East German and American delegations in July when they were negotiating diplomatic relations.

While the claims issue is not a part of the agreement itself, Anderson said, a discussion on them will be held “sometime” after diplomatic relations are opened. The agreement to be signed will result in the establishment of embassies in East Berlin and Washington.

Other State Department sources immediately concerned with the matter of claims told JTA that the claims discussions will be held “early” after the agreement is signed but they could not fix any dates. According to these sources, the claims by victims of Nazism or their heirs could be taken up with the East German government either through the U.S. Foreign Claims Commission or the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany, which had negotiated directly with the West German government on reparations.

“We are encouraging some kind of direct talks,” a Department specialist told JTA, alluding to the Jewish organization. In any case, he indicated, the commission will seek to register all claims against East Germany, including those who were not American citizens at the time of the persecutions. The commission, the specialist said, will seek to notify victims or their heirs to file claims through advertisements in major newspapers and other ways. However, the details of the procedures have not been developed.

East Germany has steadfastly up to now refused to acknowledge that it is responsible for payment of reparations to Nazi victims, declaring it was not part of the Nazi persecution. Apparently, however, it has set aside this position in reaching the agreement on diplomatic relations with the U.S. and is now willing to discuss such payments.