THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
Study Mission into the Looting of Jewish Assets in France

PROGRESS REPORT

(April - December 1997)

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION
  
  I - The Study Mission's terms of reference
  II - Approach

• THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK SANCTIONING THE LOOTING OF ASSETS
  
  I - Building anti-Semitic legislation
  II - The main examples of racially-motivated asset looting

• THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING THE RESTITUTION AND REPARATION PROGRAMME
  
  I - The restoration of Republican law and order after the Liberation
  II - Legislation for the restitution of looted assets and reparation

• THE MAIN INFORMATION SOURCES ON THE LOOTING AND RESTITUTION OF JEWISH ASSETS
  
  I - The Archives Nationales
  II - The Ministries and other major organs of the State
  III - Local government
  IV - Other institutions
  V - Prospects for future investigation

• AN ANALYSIS OF A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE ARYANISATION PROGRAMME
  
  I - Methods: file counting and examination, definition of an analytical matrix and building a document sample
  II - Initial results: the extent of asset looting - a limited valuation of restored assets - proposals for later work.

• THE BILLION-FRANC FINE
  
  I - Payment of the Fine
  II - The restitution of assets
  III - Prospects for future enquiries

• LOOTING AT DRANCY
  
  I - Historical background
  II - The camp's accounting system
  III - Distinctions between nationalities
  IV - Escrow procedures at the Caisse des dépôts et consignations
  V - Repayments made after the Liberation
  VI - The German period
  VII - What became of property taken from prisoners?
  VIII - What became of the money and property in the Banque de France strongroom?
  IX. What became of the accounts at the Caisse des dépôts et consignations after the Liberation?

• FURNITURE AND OBJETS D'ART
  
  I - The plundering of assets
  II - Restitution
  III - Action undertaken by the Study Mission
  IV - Initial results
  V - Proposals

• ORGANISATIONS HOLDING PROPERTY UNCLAIMED BY THE OWNERS

• OVERVIEW AND PROPOSALS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE STUDY
  
  I - Sources
  II - Research
  III - Short- and medium-term objectives
  IV - The resources needed