German policy toward the Jews henceforth must be based on the highest ideals of humanity, Dr. Theodor Heuss, President of the West German Federal Republic, declared last night at a meeting here arranged by the Conference of Christians and Jews.
“We must never forget,” he said, “the Nuremberg laws and the compulsory carrying of the Jewish star. Nor should we forget the firing of synagogues and the deportations. Even if we deny and reject collective guilt, because that is an unjustified simplification, we should feel shame collectively. In the future, Germany will go the way of tolerance and humanity in order to create the best relationship among all human beings.”
The address, which was heard by several hundred high government and local officials, was broadcast throughout Western Germany.
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