Clearing certificate

Certificate of the State Treasury, that tax had been paid (1937)

All people who wished to leave Germany, had to possess such an certificate. It stated that all required taxes had been paid. It had to be presented to the passport office when applying for a valid travel passport, it also had to be shown to the currency offices when applying for permission to take savings or personal possessions out of the country.

Affidavit of support

Affidavit stating that Benjamin Moss. resident in Long Island, NYC, would suport his nephew, Ludwig Willner, when the latter entered the USA as an immigrant

Not everyone who wanted to emigrate, was able to simply do so. Many nations had restrictions on immigration - with annual quotas (i.e. 23,700 for the USA). To be favourably considered by immigration authorities, various criteria had to be met. It was important to find a resident who was prepared to stand surety for an immigrant - so that the latter would not become a burden on the state.

Numbers of Jewish emmigrants to selected countries

• China (Shanghai): 10,000 (no quota)
• U.S.A.: 130,000
• Australia: 6,500
• Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico): 85,000
• Palestine: 55,000 (12,000 illegal)
• Belgium, Netherlands, France: 30,000

Affidavit

Written confirmation, to the State of N.Y., by his relatives, that Ludwig Willner was unable to make a living in Germany, due to the political situation there - and his being Jewish. The signatories also confirm that he is their nephew

STATE OF NEW YORK
CITY OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF QUEENS

Frieda Moss und Benjamin Moss, being duly sworn, depose and say: That they reside at 30-24 36th Street, Astoria, Long Island.

That due to the present political situation in Germany Ludwig Willner, a nephew of your deponents is unable to earn his own living due to the fact that he is of Jewish decent.

That Ludwig Wilner has been able to support himself, up to the present times. However, we guarantee, to take care of him until such time as when he can take care of himself.

That the deponents guarantee to take care of the immigrant, Ludwig Willner, upon his arrival in the United Staates.

That the relationship between the undersigned, Frieda Moss nee Adler, and the immigrant, Ludwig Wilner is as follows: He is the son of my sister Lena Willner nee Adler. Therefore he is my newphew.

Sworn to - before me - this
6th day of July 1936

Travel passport of Else Willner
This passport was issued on 2.9.1938, shortly before the departure.

Her children Lea and Eva are also named therein

The passport (issued 2 Sept. 1938 / expiry date 10 Aug. 1939) was restricted to one outward journey to the United States. Obtaining it was only after an extended burocratic process, which was strewn with intentional hurdles and difficulties for applicants, had been undergone.

Richard Willstätter wrote his recollection of this.

"There then started months of activity for which I was hardly prepared, the daily visits to many involved authorities, queuing before the local and state banks, customs, currency-exchange and permit offices involving hours of waiting and standing in corridors, all the time subject to humiliation by arrogant officials

(http://holocaust.juden-in-europa.de/shoah/progrom/program-1.htm)