Holocaust -- Recovery of Assets from World War II: A Chronology (May 1995 to Present)

Publication Date: July 2000

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Banking and finance

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Abstract:

This report is a compilation of recent investigations (May 7, 1995 - July 26, 2000) into the role of Swiss banks and other institutions dealing with the recovery of hidden or stolen assets of victims of the Holocaust from World War II (1939-1945). Included is an overview of the worldwide inquiry by Switzerland, the United States Congress, and the governments of other nations in the following areas: dormant bank accounts; looted art and cultural objects; Nazi gold transfers; policy claims against European insurance companies by Holocaust survivors and their heirs; and compensation for victims of forced and slave labor, including the creation of a $5.2 billion compensation fund for surviving laborers by the German government and German industries.

Related reports on this topic include the following: CRS Report 98-699, Holocaust Survivor and Heir Lawsuits to Recover Swiss Bank Deposits; CRS Report RL30615, Holocaust-Era Assets: A Bibliography; CRS Report RL30396, Holocaust-Era Assets: A Guide for Filing Claims and a List of Compensation Programs; CRS Report RL30381, Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims: Background and Issues; CRS Report 98-903, Holocaust-Related Legislation of the 105th Congress; CRS Report 98-329, Nazi War Crimes Records Disclosure: Public Law No. P.L. 105-246.