AUSTRIAN REFUGEES

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 127, 26 November 1945, Page 6

AUSTRIAN REFUGEES

REPRESENTATIVE TO SEEK LOST FORTUNES

O.C. SYDNEY, November 6. Austrian refugees in Australia who have become naturalised British citijzens, are taking steps to try to recover in Austria property amounting to several million pounds. This was revealed by Dr. Paul Speisser, of Melbourne, who is shortly to leave for Austria to conduct the negotiations weherby the refugees are to recover their lost proI perty. So far, Dr. Speisser has been commissioned to act as agent "for about 200 Austrians. There are approximately 8000 Austrian refugees in Australia. He has been empowered to inquire in Austria into more than £200,000 worth of real estate which the refugees were compelled to abandon when they fled their home country. " I shall also investigate the recovery of industrial interests which may run into millions of pounds, as well as pension and insurance claims covering the past seven years," Dr. Speisser said. Dr. Speisser added that the present Austrian Government had already established a trust fund covering property annexed by the Germans, on which claims can be made. "The most difficult job will be to trace personal possessions, such as jewels, furs, and art treasures, many of which were . no doubt looted by the Nazis during the occupation," he said. Dr. Speisser, aged 36, a Doctor of Laws from Vienna University, who came to Australia in 1939, is the son of Paul Speisser, the present ViceBurgomaster of Vienna. He is also a. personal friend of Dr. Karl Renner, Chancellor of the present Austrian Coalition Government, which was sponsored by the Russians and recognised last month by Britain and the United States.