U.S. Department
of Justice
Completed Programs - Poland
Program Overview
| Number of Claims | 10,169 |
| Number of Awards | 5,022 |
| Amount of Awards - Principal | $100,737,681.63 |
| Amount of Fund | $40,000,000 |
| Amount of Payment | 33% of Principal |
The Polish Claims Program commenced with the signing of a claims agreement on July 16, 1960 after negotiations with the People's Republic of Poland. Under this agreement, Poland agreed to pay $40 million over the period of twenty years in full settlement of the claims of nationals of the United States for (1) the nationalization or other taking by Poland of property and of rights and interests in and with respect to property; (2) the appropriation or the loss of use and enjoyment of property under Polish laws, decrees, or other measures limiting or restricting rights and interests in and with respect to property; and (3) debts owed by enterprises which have been nationalized or taken by Poland and debts which were a charge upon property which has been nationalized, appropriated or otherwise taken by Poland. In accordance with the provisions of Title I of the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949, the Commission was authorized to proceed with the receipt and determination of claims filed pursuant to the agreement.
The Commission completed its administration of the Polish Claims Program on March 31, 1966, in accordance with its representations to various committees of Congress. The program involved a total of 10,169 claims. The Commission entertained approximately, 1,100 petitions to reopen claims upon presentation of new evidence. Fifty-seven percent of the petitions considered resulted in awards.
Of the 10,169 claims filed, awards were granted in 5,022 claims, which totaled $100,737,681.63 in the principal amount, plus interest in the amount of $51,051,825.01. The Commission held a total of 241 oral hearings and 1,688 hearings on the record during the administration of the program.
Statutory Authority
Pub. L. 81-455; (22 U.S.C. 1623)
Pertinent International Agreements
Commission Decisions
Lead Decisions