Foreign Pressure Exerted to End Curbs on Exit of Alien Jews from Austria

It was officially confirmed today that foreign Jews, both visitors and residents, no longer need tax clearance certificates to leave Austria. The general impression is that the removal of restrictions followed pressure by foreign governments against discrimination against their nationals in Austria who are Jewish.

Further evidence that Nazi leaders are determined to put the anti-Semitic program on a strictly legal basis was seen in a new statement by Dr. Joseph Buerckel, Reaches Commissar for Direction of Austro-German Reunion, repeating his warning that “Aryanization” of business must proceed in an orderly manner without unauthorized interventions.

“In addition,” he said, “I hereby order that all obligations under civil law must be fulfilled within the framework of existing statutes.” He thus placed himself in opposition to the current practice of “welching” on Jewish debts. The statement makes clear that Jewish shops cannot be taken over without compensation except when courts declare it is legal to do so.

The reorganization of the Austrian press was furthered by the granting to Max Amann, president of the Reich Press Chamber, of full authority to issue all necessary measures. All working journalists must be members of the chamber, and the first requisite for membership is proof of “Aryan blood.”

The Jewish population is still anxiously awaiting the full resumption of activity by community organizations now reorganized but hampered by lack of funds. It was officially announced that the Palestine Office will be reopened next Monday and the offices of the Palestine Foundation Fund and the Jewish National Fund will be opened on Thursday.