740.00113 European War 1939/943: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers ( Wiley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11—12:47 a.m.]
1245. From Murphy. Referring to your telegram No. 1275, July 9. June 21, the following memorandum was presented to Couve de Murville69 signed by Glasser:70
“You will recall that on January 5, 1943, there was released the text of a declaration of the United Nations of their policy on transfers of property in enemy occupied territory. The French National Committee participated in this declaration a copy of which is attached.
The liberation of Tunisia brings us face to face with many of the problems to which this declaration was addressed. For example, it has come to my attention that during the Nazi occupation fines were levied against the Jewish people in the larger cities of Tunisia and that in order to meet these levies it was necessary for these people to pledge their property. I understand that the funds to pay many of these levies were advanced by the banks against mortgages on Jewish property at high interest rates. It seems to me that the redemption of these mortgages as well as the payment of interest thereon are definitely within the purview of the aforementioned declaration.
[Page 285]I am sure that there are many other illustrations of similar matters arising from forced labor costs, requisitions, et cetera.
I should very much appreciate your views on these problems including an indication of the approach toward the specific matters referred to above and any general program which you may be considering.”
The French are studying the matter and have promised us a reply with respect to their policy. We have on three occasions within the past [apparent omission] urged them to hasten their reply. [Murphy.]