740.00119 P.W./10–346
Memorandum by Mr. B. E. L. Timmons, of the Treasury Department, to Mr. Harlow J. Heneman, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Occupied Areas (Hilldring)
Subject: Far Eastern Commission Policy on Restitution of Looted Property.
It is noted that the Far Eastern Commission has been requested by the Netherlands representative to reconsider and revise its policy on the restitution of looted property, with especial reference to industrial raw materials found in Japan, and identified as having originated in an Allied country. The request of the Netherlands representative is particularly concerned with stockpiles of tin in Japan which were mined, processed and exported from the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas, during the period of Japanese occupation.
It is noted further that the Far Eastern Commission policy referred to states that industrial raw materials, inter alia, “which are found in Japan and which are identified as having been located in an Allied [Page 589] country at the time of occupation of that country” are subject to restitution. It is understood that the United States’ position with respect to this property precludes the restitution of property located in Japan which was not in existence at the time of Japanese occupation, and permits the export and sale of such property, with the proceeds thereof going into the Japanese export-import account.
It is believed that this problem is one which merits the consideration of the Occupied Areas Committee, and it is therefore requested that it be placed on the Agenda for early discussion. For the information of the Committee it is suggested that the State Department representative discuss the proposed position to be taken by the United States representative when this policy is brought up for reconsideration by the Far Eastern Committee.