Compensation Provided to American Claimants through Foreign Claims Settlements

Claims for losses arising from a foreign government's nationalization, expropriation, or other takeover of the property of United States nationals are administered under provisions of the International Settlement Claims Act of 1948. This Act has served as the authority for adjudication and payment of claims resulting from American property losses in nine foreign countries, and has provided authority for determining the validity and amounts of U.S. claims against the Governments of Cuba, the People's Republic of China, and East Germany. The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission is solely responsible for receiving and determining the validity of the claims. Upon the Commission's certification, the claims are paid by the Treasury, using funds obtained from the foreign governments.