§ 62. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the value of the property in the British zone of Germany belonging to Alfred von Krupp, a war criminal released from imprisonment by the Americans; and if he will state his intentions in regard to the disposal of this property.
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§ Mr. YoungerI welcome the opportunity of putting this matter into proper perspective. Our intention regarding the property previously owned by the firm of Friedrich Krupp remains unchanged. The armaments works have been dismantled and the remaining properties are being de-concentrated under Law 27 which has as a primary purpose the prevention of the return to positions of ownership and control of those who have been found or may be found to have furthered the aggressive designs of the Nazi party. The annulment by the American High Commissioner of the previous American court order confiscating Alfried von Krupp's property does not affect the operation of this law or the obligations of the Allied High Commission thereunder. In announcing this decision, the American High Comissioner stated that he was
making no judgments as to the ultimate title of the former Krupp property. The property of the firm of Friedrich Krupp will be subject to Allied High Commission Law No. 27 'Reorganisation of the German Coal, Iron and Steel Industries' and is not affected by this decision.As regards the first part of the Question, I am unable to state the value of the personal and other property in the British zone of Germany of Alfried von Krupp, as the terms of his father's will have not yet been disclosed and as the validity of the wartime German law regarding the Krupp property may be contested.