Under treaty the property held by the Alien Property Custodian was to be
retained until suitable provision had been made for the satisfaction of
American claims. While still protecting the American claimants, in order to
afford every possible accommodation to the nationals of the countries whose
property was held, the Congress has made liberal provision for the return
of a larger part of the property. All trusts under $10,000 were returned in
full, and partial returns were made on the others. The total returned was
approximately $350,000,000.
There is still retained, however, about $250,000,000. The Mixed Claims
Commission has made such progress in the adjudication of claims that
legislation can now be enacted providing for the return of the property,
which should be done under conditions which will protect our Government and
our claimants. Such a measure will be proposed, and I recommend its
enactment.