Report from Berlin, beginning of January 1939

Gloomy mood predominates. Anxiety about coming events, particularly war.

E.g. the recall of German servant girls from abroad is explained in public as not only that they are needed for domestic service and in the armament factories, but also that the savings which they bring with them are being targeted. The prevailing feeling is that the state is compelled to seize all money. It is literally feared that even the resident population will also be dispossessed, not only the Jews, the churches etc. For that reason a certain flight to tangible assets has gained ground, because fears about money are being harboured.

There is a scarcity of butter, eggs and suchlike. It is necessary to queue up for them. Blame for that is being cast on the Jews, in particular those in America, who through their boycott of German goods prevent Germany from receiving foreign currency, which is needed for the supply of basic commodities and food. The public falls for these allegations and the mood towards the Jews is made worse as a result. But this distraction does not eliminate the fact of scarcity.

In part in any case it is suspected in public that food is indeed available, but it is being set aside as war reserves, which is possible. After all the hardships and deprivations of recent years, the prospect of war is regarded only with trepidation under such circumstances.

Indignation about the construction of huge buildings and new villages seems to prevail, whilst at the same time elsewhere house building has come to a complete standstill, although the need exists. The somewhat dazzling facilities of the new buildings make a tasteless impression and mean a step backwards in beautifully begun artistic development, particularly in interior decoration.

Many Jews completely lack the means for the Strafmilliarde. They must often borrow the sums from other Jews, who cannot count on being repaid.

When Jews emigrate, officials appear at their homes who label the little clothing and linen that they are permitted to take with them, and estimate the value of the items. A redemption sum is to be paid to the state for the amount calculated. One must also buy back one’s personal property. The means for this are obtained by selling the items not designated to be taken, first and foremost the furniture. As one receives only c. a tenth of the value, the proceeds barely extend beyond the redemption of the things that one is allowed to take. In this way one leaves the country without all the funds.

Engaged couples make use of the cheap availability of furnishings etc. from Jewish homes. In this way the state saves itself the marriage loan, or with the help of the aforementioned newly married couples can set up their homes very extensively.

Weeks pass before all the formalities prior to departure have been completed, especially before the Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung is available, signed by all those whose signature is required (tax offices, Devisenstellen, police, customs etc., etc.). In the meantime liquid funds are exhausted and levies, charges, allowances etc. also have to be paid, until in fact people own nothing more.

In a well-known case from another town the husband was in the concentration camp from 11th November for four to five weeks. Departure for America through Switzerland had been arranged, but could not take place up to now however, because fresh difficulties and formalities are always being placed in the way and sums of money demanded. For redemption of the items which husband, wife and mother may take with them, RM. 6,000.- was demanded, which sum was then reduced to RM. 4,000.-. The local relatives have made every effort to enable the departure. Enough money is available. But to date the people have not yet arrived here (in Switzerland), where they have been expected for weeks, in order to travel to America, where they already used to live.