U.S. Will Not ‘normalize’ Relations with East Germany Until It Agrees to Pay War Claims

The United States will not “normalize” relations with East Germany until that country commits itself to negotiate claims against it for the depredations of the Nazi regime, according to Sen. Jacob K. Javits (R.NY).

The State Department, Javits said, has declared in a letter to him that it will seek from the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) “a firm and detailed advance commitment to negotiate a claims agreement soon after the establishment of diplomatic relations.” between the two countries. Javits also said the letter had “emphasized” that “only when such a commitment is obtained will we proceed to normalize relations with the G.D.R.”

At the State Department following Javits’ disclosure, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency was informed that the U.S. government’s Foreign Claims Settlement Commission would conduct a registration program to get claims formally registered which has not yet been done in the absence of U.S.-East German diplomatic relations. A Department authority said that the program would include advertising in American newspapers and that “all interested organizations would be advised” on registration of claims.

He said that individuals have written to the State Department over the years about material losses they have incurred as a result of the works of the Nazis. These writings, he said, are maintained at the Department, but he cautioned they cannot be considered formal claims.

ENCOURAGED BY STATE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE

Javits said that in a letter to Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger he had urged that outstanding war claims be settled before the United States recognized East Germany. “In view of the oppressive nature of the G.D.R. regime and the presence in its governmental structure of former Nazis,” Javits wrote. “I do not believe our government should be a party to the obvious efforts by the G.D.R. to sidestep its responsibilities respecting actions and developments of Germany during the infamous days of the Hitler regime.”

In its letter of reply, signed by former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton. Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations, the State Department told Javits of difficulties in achieving a claims settlement as a condition prior to recognition as Javits had urged but indicated that “the soundest way of proceeding” was to obtain East Germany’s commitment on negotiation.

Javits said he is encouraged by the State Department’s response that it is sensitive to the need for a claims settlement as an integral part of the establishment of U.S.-East German diplomatic relations. “It is now 29 years since the conclusion of World War II” Javits said. “There no longer can be any excuse for not settling all claims growing out of the Nazi-war period. West Germany had made settlements. East Germany must do the same.”