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German Auction of Holocaust-Linked Items Canceled After Polish Outcry

The sale was dropped following diplomatic pressure from Warsaw.

Overview

  • Germany’s DPA, citing North Rhine–Westphalia authorities, reported that the Felzmann auction scheduled for November 17 in Neuss has been canceled.
  • Contested lots disappeared from the auction site’s preview, with the catalogue previously reported to include 632 Holocaust-related documents and objects.
  • Poland’s culture ministry condemned the commercialization of victims’ memory and, with the foreign ministry, demanded full cancellation and the return of items to memory institutions.
  • Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he intervened, spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and was told by Poland’s ambassador that the listings were removed online.
  • Germany’s foreign minister called the planned sale unacceptable, noted the items were no longer listed, and said he expects an investigation and steps to prevent similar auctions.