862.4016/1686: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25—2:02 p.m.]
252. Department’s 111, October 21, 4 p.m. Information received from Jewish sources is that since October 10 new passports have been refused to Jews in Berlin except under the following two conditions:
- (1)
- For single journeys abroad indorsed by the economic authorities as being in the interest of German business; upon his return the Jewish traveler must surrender his passport and submit a report on his activities and the individuals he has met while abroad.
- (2)
- For permanent emigration provided that there exist certain prospects of immigration to a particular country.
This action is believed to be effected by a general order to the local police who still handle all applications although passports are issued in the name of the Reich. Hitherto (apparently since the spring of this year) Jewish passports have been limited to 6 months validity (see despatch No. 1520 of May 4, 1937, from the Consulate General in Berlin13). The reason for these restrictions is apparently the Government’s fear of the alleged danger of currency smuggling and the dissemination of anti-Nazi reports abroad by Jews.
[Page 326]As regards reentry into the Reich, for German Jews who are considered to have emigrated [they?] have for some time been refused readmission.
The Consulates are being circularized for further information concerning practice in other parts of Germany which will be transmitted with that received from official sources if available.
- Not printed.↩