- 5 - Their concept of "restitution", however, apparently goes far beyond the mere restoration of identifiable objects and would include the replacement of lost or destroyed objects with similar or equivalent goods found in Germany at the time of surrender. It is believed that such a broad application of the principle of replacement is undesirable. Claims for lost or destroyed property should be embraced in the reparation settlement; "replacement" should be confined to unique objects such as art treasures, and possibly gold. 4. German Foreign Holdings "German" property in neutral and satellite countries can be divided into three categories: 1. Looted Property: This is not properly German property, and the principle of res- titution has already been indicated. 2. Flight Capital. This is property which is and has been leaving Germany for refuge from post-hostilities Allied control. Efforts are now being made to have the neutrals pre- vent ingress of such property, and to segre gate and control that which has already left Germany. 3. German Foreign Investment. Control over this property is essential to the control of this German economic system. Cooperative U.S. and U.K. efforts are being made to conduct a census of such property, to have it segregated, and make it available for such disposition as may be agreed on among the Allies. A coordinated effort, particularly directly at the neutrals, to control these classes of property is being made. The United States, United Kingdom, and USSR, among others of the United Nations, have cooperated in the issuance and endorsement of the following documents: Declaration of January 5, 1943, declaring a policy of refusal to recognize Axis acts of dispossession, in whatever form; Gold Declaration of February 22, 1944, declaring a policy of refusal to purchase gold from nations which have not ceased gold purchases, directly or indirectly, from the Axis; Bretton Woods Resolution VI, calling on neutrals to take appropriate action with respect to loot, flight capital, and German foreign investment. |