All persons eligible to file claims under the Polish Claims Agreement were advised today by the World Jewish Congress to complete the requisite forms as soon as possible. The terminal date for filing is September 30, 1961, but it is not necessary that claims be fully documented and established at the time of filing.
Mr. Andrew T. McGuire, General Counsel of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, has advised the World Jewish Congress that documents supporting claims may be submitted even after September 30, 1961, if not available at the time of filing. Mr. McGuire noted that “it is anticipated that full development and documentation of the claims will require several years of cooperative effort by the claimants and the Commission staff.”
Mr. McGuire emphasized that American citizens who believe they are entitled to file claims for nationalized property should fill in the necessary forms immediately. “The only safe thing for any potential claimant to do is to file his claim even if in doubt as to his eligibility, ” Mr. McGuire said. “Only in this manner can the claimant be protected if interpretation (of Polish law) and research lead to a decision under which he is eligible. “
Claimants must use official forms which are available only at the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, Washington 25, D.C. After completion these forms must be returned to the Commission not later than September 30, 1961. Persons who may need assistance in filing their claims, are advised to consult an attorney.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
