The Central Council of Jews in Germany stated this week that those who were persecuted by the Nazis have a justified claim against East Germany. Hendrik Georg Van Dam, Council secretary general, said he had drawn up a report in 1950 to this effect, and the claim was still valid. In Bonn, Israeli diplomats said Israel has never waived its right to restitution from East Germany. The question of East German restitution has again arisen in view of pending international diplomatic recognition of the regime.
Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal announced in Vienna a campaign to have the governments of seven European countries demand reparations from East Germany for those who suffered under Nazi rule. Launching the drive in his capacity as the head of the Austrian League of Jewish Persecutees he said that West Germany had so far paid some $13.5 million to various countries and international institutions and funds for use as indemnification for victims of Nazism.
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