862.4016/1916: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—11:05 a.m.]
660. Embassy’s No. 643, November 21, 4 p.m. The Reichsgesetzblatt received this morning publishes an executive order of November [Page 407] 23 establishing the procedure for the elimination of Jews from Germany and economic life called for by Goering’s decree of November 12. In general it requires liquidation of all Jewish owned retail stores and distributing and mail order houses or subject to official approval their transfer to Aryan hands. Liquidation by sale to ultimate consumers is prohibited it being required that goods be offered to the competent semi-official trade associations. In the absence of any statement to the contrary it is assumed that the order becomes effective on the same day as the decrees, i. e., January 1, 1939.
In regard to the applicability of this order only the general term “Jews” is used with no reference to Jews of foreign nationality. There is therefore no change to be made in the Embassy’s position respecting the exemption of American citizens from Goering’s decree as conveyed to the Foreign Office in its note reported in the telegram under reference. Copy by mail to London for Rublee.